Executive Summaries

Executive summaries, which are basically somewhat short written accounts of major reports, are extremely useful for people who do not have time to read an entire in-depth report. They essentially preview main points of a detailed report while allowing the reader to become familiar enough with the main report without actually having to read it.

Here is some useful information to help you create a successful executive summary:

Rules of thumb:

• If you write a report that exceeds four pages, plan to write an executive summary.
• Write your executive summary after you write the main report.
• Make sure your executive summary is no longer than one-tenths of the main report.

       

       Writing it out:

• Make sure the main points in your executive summary are in the same order as they appear in the main report.
• Write a simple declarative statement for each main point.
• Add supporting or explanatory sentences to your main points as needed.

       Checking for errors:

• Read over your completed executive summary and make sure it clearly communicates your purpose and main ideas.
• Identify any errors of grammar, usage, mechanics, or spelling.
• Have a nontechnical person (such as a friend or family member) read your executive summary. If they find your executive summary boring or confusing, than it is likely that your summary will have the same effect on other people. 

       Overall, there are three types of executive summaries: formal reports, sales proposals, and technical reports.

1) Formal Reports- summaries of main projects such as research into new developments in a field, explorations of the feasibility of a new product or service, or an organization's end-of-year review

• Most formal reports require signposts that lead to material in the report such as a table of contents, a list of figures, or an abstract (a brief summary of the report).
• One of the most important things to keep in mind when writing a formal report is that you are organizing your report to address the needs of more than one audience.

2) Sales Proposal- a major marketing tool for business and industry/a company's offer to provide specific goods or services to a potential buyer within a specified period of time or for a specified price

• Sales proposals vary greatly in length and sophistication
• One of the most important things to keep in mind when writing a sales proposal is that you must find out exactly what the prospective customer needs

3) Technical Reports- a document that describes the process, progress, or results of technical or scientific research

• In todays world, technical reports are a major source of scientific and technical information
• Technical reports commonly contain the state of a technical or scientific research problems.

Sources:

"How to Write an Executive Summary." eHow.com. Demand Media, Inc., n.d.                  Web. 19. April 2012.

Oliu, et al. Writing That Works. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2010. Print.