Write executive summaries to provide readers with the crux of your report’s message without requiring them to read the entire document. Limit a summary no more than 10% of the report’s entire length.
Include the following sections:
- Statement of Purpose. Succinctly declare why you wrote the report. Aim for one sentence.
- Statement of Scope. Clearly state the boundaries of your report by pointing out its focus and limitations.
- Findings and Conclusions. Summarize the main sections of your report without using graphs and illustrations. Include references to section headings so readers can jump to the sections of interest and read the details.
Remember: Incorporate only those items covered in your report rather than including additional aspects of the project.
— Adapted from “The Executive Summary: A Tool for More Effective Reports,” Helen Wilkie, COMMUNI-KEYS, www.communi-keys.com.






