Writing
the Executive Summary
|
An executive
summary is a
brief document typically directed at top-level managers who sometimes
make
decisions based upon a
reading of this summary alone. As a result, the executive summary must
be concise but comprehensive, meaning that it must present in summary
form all major sections of the main report, such as:
- purpose
- problem
- methods
of analyzing the problem
- results
of analysis
- recommendations
|
To repeat, because
of the critical role it plays, the executive summary is often the first
and only part read by key decision makers. Therefore, it must be
designed so that it can be read independently of the main document.
Typically, figures and tables are not referenced in the executive
summary. Uncommon terminology, symbols and acronyms are avoided. If
the executive summary is
sufficiently persuasive, the entire proposal will then be read in full.
Therefore, your summary is key to the success of your proposal and
should reflect these
characteristics:
|
|
Perfect
Miniaturization. The
executive summary should contain the same sections in the same order as
the full report. |
|
Major
Findings Only. Because
it is a distilled version of the full report, the summary should
include only the proposal's principal points and major evidence. Most
charts, tables, and deep-level analysis are reserved for full
proposal. |
|
Proportional.
The
executive summary should typically be only 10% the length of the full
proposal it distills. Therefore, the executive summary for a 10-page
proposal would be 1 page or less. |
|
Stand
Alone. The
summary should be written in a way that it can be read as a stand-alone
document. Before submitting it, allow a test subject to read the
summary. The subject should be able to give to you the basics of the
full proposal from one reading of the summary. |
|
Flawless. Like a job resume, even the
most minor error of proofreading or grammar can spell
rejection. |
SAMPLE EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY:
|