Executive Summaries

Executive Summaries

• Written for managers
  • Limited technical jargon
  • Focus on the actionable information
• Summarize the report
  • In order (sections, subsections, etc.)
  • Highlight major points of each section
  • Emphasize (visually and with words) the conclusions and recommendations

Writing Tips

• Have the full report in front of you (already written)

• Start with an introduction: purpose of the report and major points

• Make an outline using the report’s outline

  • Brief paragraph for each main points
  • Use vocabulary your audience will understand

• Proofread x3!

  • Make language concise - ask “do I need this word?”
  • Check spelling/grammar

• Have a coworker proofread and check for political no-no’s

• Additional guidance - Government Accountability Office guide to writing Executive Summaries for Government Reports

Executive Summaries Should Include

• A summary of the report’s main conclusion

• Justification for recommendations

• An explanation of the problem

• A summary of the process used to solve the problem

• An outline of recommendations/decisions

Source: Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center

Discussion – Executive Summary guidelines

Activity

In a group of 3-4 people, go through one of the following 3 reports:

• US State Department Enterprise Data Strategy

• National Science Founcation Making Visible the Invisible: STEM Talent of Rural America

• 2024 Annual Report of the Supplemental Security Income Program

How does the executive summary adhere to the guidelines?

What formatting and other conventions were used to draw attention to important components of the report or summary? Were these effective?