Reporting Skills and administrative correspondence

How to Prepare and Present Clear, Concise, and Convincing Reports and Presentations

OBJECTIVES

By the end of this Advanced Report Writing and Presentation Skills training course, participants will be able to:

• Structure reports effectively using the “Pyramid Principle” storytelling methodology
• Create impactful reports using professional business language and charts
• Repurpose written reports for use as powerful presentations
• Deliver presentations to influence key decision-makers
• How to gain and retain confidence to present in front of the audience
• Understanding the power of “connection” with the audience
• Better communication skills through animation, simulation, and use of videos
• Ability to create a captivating story for every presentation

 Course outline :

Reporting Scope and Structure

• Key principles and definitions
• Scoping a report based on your objectives
• Organizing content to match audience
• Developing a compelling storyboard using Pyramid Principle
  • Situation
  • Complication
  • Question
  • Answer (how, why, or what)
  • Key Lines
• Achieving flow through effective transitioning
  • Deductive reasoning
  • Abductive arguments
• Content, Substance and Getting You Message Clear
• Planning for the perfect presentation
• Seven step preparation model
• Researching the audience and setting time related objectives

Report writing and presentations editing and improving

• Key principles of editing and making your writing clear, concise and convincing
• Developing a 'lean & fit' writing style to your content
• Tailoring our message to the reader’s needs
• Is the reader clear as to WHY we are writing?
• Clear and concise writing editing techniques
• Active and passive voice (what is the difference and guidelines for use)
• Traits of organized writing and presentation
• Gathering and analyzing data
  • Empirical data
  • Anecdotal data
• Finding the “So What?” and connecting with audience
• Generating conclusions and creating a call to action
• Presenting recommendations using Opportunity Charters

Repurposing Reports for Presentations

• Fundamentals of data visualization
• Gene Zelazny’s Approach to visual aids
• Determining message (Purpose, audience & key idea)
• Design principles for creating high-impact slides in PowerPoint
• How to structure your slide presentation - examples
• Time-saving tips to create PowerPoint slides in a hurry
• The use of templates, colour, shapes, and design tips
• How to create notes, handouts and using as a presenter
• Creating a ‘map’ for your audience
• Planning sessions