ExecutiveSummaries

Executive Summaries ENG 332 : 

Executive Summaries ENG 332 Information based on Colorado State University's Writing@CSU Tutorial on Executive Summaries, available at writing.colostate.edu/guides/documents/execsum/pop2a.cfm

Topics: 

Topics Purpose of an Executive Summary Length and formatting What the ES is NOT Tips for writing the ES Focusing on OUR course’s ES Other Sections to Focus on

Purpose: 

Purpose Executive summaries make a recommendation. Accuracy is essential because decisions will be made based on your summary by people who have not read the original. Executive summaries frequently summarize more than one document. What is the purpose of an executive summary? “Executive summaries are written literally for an executive who most likely DOES NOT have the time to read the original.”

Length and Formatting: 

Length and Formatting The executive summary is usually no longer than 10% of the original document. It can be anywhere from 1-10 pages long, depending on the report's length. Why are they short? “Executive Summaries are much like any other summary in that their main goal is to provide a condensed version of the content of a longer report.”

What the ES is NOT. : 

What the ES is NOT. The ES is NOT your introduction. It does not introduce your report; in fact, you should consider it a separate document (but still include it within the report). The ES is not your letter of transmittal. It does not serve as the letter welcoming readers to your report; it’s a complete summary of your report. People get confused about the executive summaries since there are so many report sections. Don’t confuse the ES with other document sections.

Tips for writing your Executive Summary: 

Tips for writing your Executive Summary Before writing it, try: Summarizing the major sections of your report. You might even copy text from your report into the summary and then edit it down. Talking aloud or even tape recording yourself summarizing sections of your report. “Executive summaries are typically written for longer reports. They should not be written until after your report is finished.“

OUR Executive Summary: 

OUR Executive Summary STRICTLY one page. No exceptions. Provide a summary of your ideas, including any information necessary for the executive to make their decision (final budget numbers, cost, timing, etc.). Make a recommendation. This information pertains to the executive summary you will be writing for your formal proposal.

Focusing on the ES: 

Focusing on the ES Your ability to condense your report information into a concise one-page summary will showcase the skills you’ve learned in this course. I focus on the ES when grading because it allows me to see your ability to condense information in thorough but concise manner. This is a small one-page document within a huge overall report. Should we really worry about it?

Other Sections to Focus on:: 

Other Sections to Focus on: Introduction : Unlike your executive summary, your introduction should not summarize all your content. It should simply introduce your ideas, not give them all away. Conclusion : This is a summary of your thoughts. It will probably be very similar to your introduction (but not the same). Recommendations : This is separate from the conclusion. Rather than a summary of ideas, this is a summary of your group’s advice for next steps. What should the board members do after reading this report?

Summary: 

Summary Executive Summaries are mini-reports, not introductions. You should consider them separate from your report. A reader should be able to read your ES and understand the majority of your project. Our ES is important and should be strictly one page. Other document sections, including the introduction, conclusion, and recommendation section, are important in their own way. Your focus this project should not just be creating a great event, but creating a great document within which each section serves its important purpose.