This list was developed by trainees during a BEI workshop.
- Structure the report concisely with the use of headings, subheadings and paragraphs.
- Use correct, simple language and grammar with terminology relevant to the subject matter. Avoid using jargon ‘high end language’ and slang.
- Research and understand your topic thoroughly.
- Do emphasise your most important findings and facts.
- Make the report well structured, organised, unemotional and easy to read with reference to annexures, bullets and paragraphs.
- Keep the report short, precise, to the point ‘specific’ and brief. Divide paragraphs that are more than 10 lines.
- Provide sufficient diagrams, photos, charts etc ‘to make it interesting’.
- Use colour for pictures and graphs.
- Use standard font and make sure the image is good.
- Be clear about the goal of the report. Establish whether the report will evoke the intended effect.
- Relate the report to the individuals reading it, the ‘targeted market’.
- Be a story teller. Make the report believable but don’t exaggerate.
- Avoid making unsupported assertions or conclusions.
- Proof read your report before submitting.
- End the report with recommendations for action in summary form.
- Stick to the point – avoid going off topic.
- The report must be physically presentable e.g. plastic sleeves and binding.
- Confirm the reliability of your source of information.
- Capture the reader’s interest by making a strong introduction and conclusion.
- Start a new sentence for each thought. Avoid using ‘and’ or ‘but’.
- Credit the source.
- The report must have subject and topic.
- Use a bibliography to index your report.
- All appendices or tables must be referred to in their appropriate places.
- Avoid repetition.
- Avoid showing personal prejudice.
- Avoid using ambiguous words.
- If it is a technical report there should be a theoretical part/practical part.
- Use references to support your report.
- Tabulate your result.
- The conclusion must correspond with the aim.
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