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FORESTERS'
TIPS, TECHNIQUES,
AND
TRICKS OF THE TRADE | | |
 1. Planning
1.1 Start by defining the objective of the report. Write down in
one sentence what the report is intended to achieve.
If necessary, carry out a problem analysis by identifying the problems or issues that the report is
required to address, and
then express these as a statement of objective. If it is difficult to identify a single objective
then consider whether more than
one report is required. Once the objective has been clearly stated, the title of the report should
be apparent.
1.2 Next consider the audience for the report. Note down the different
people, or groups of people that will be
receiving the report and consider the following:
what is the information or message that the report is conveying to each group?
what background information do they require?
are they familiar with the subject or will technical terms and concepts have to be explained?
what do they expect to see in the report? Identify particular interests; e.g. an accountant will
be looking for explanation of
costs and revenues; a manager for an abstract or summary.
1.3 Carry out a brainstorming of all topics that are to be addressed in the report
using the objective identified and
considering the audience. Put these topics into three broad groupings; background, main body,
conclusion; and sort them
into a logical order of headings and sub-headings. Check the list to exclude any topics
that are not required.
1.4 The list prepared above is used as a working table of contents. Review
this list to ensure that:
the background identifies and justifies the approach taken and states what the report accomplishes
and does not
accomplish;
the main body of the report is divided into sections and subsections following a logical progression
of ideas;
the conclusion includes findings or results, discusses these and draws conclusions or makes recommendations.
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