Business Communication, 3rd Edition

Chapter 13

Business Reports

“… a report covers everything that has to be covered but nothing more.”

—H. A. Shearing and B. C. Christian

Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to:

1. Understand that a report and an essay are two distinct forms of written communication and be able to differentiate between their physical structures and the styles in which they are written.
2. Know the various types of reports and their essential elements.
3. Develop organizing and outlining skills.
4. Learn how to write both long and short formal reports in a clear, objective style, using the appropriate layout.
5. Know how to write abstracts and summaries, introductions, final recommendations, and conclusions.
6. Understand the role and use of graphics in reports. ...