{"id":16949,"date":"2017-02-21T10:36:37","date_gmt":"2017-02-21T17:36:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/?p=16949"},"modified":"2024-08-08T09:22:55","modified_gmt":"2024-08-08T14:22:55","slug":"how-to-create-hard-copy-professional-reports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/2017\/02\/how-to-create-hard-copy-professional-reports\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create Hard Copy Professional Reports"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Even if your facts and figures are right on the money, you\u2019ll still lose points with your fellow employees and clients if your professional report isn\u2019t executed cleanly and efficiently. You might be surprised how much visual appeal goes into the reports you file over the course of your daily duties. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like some tips on how to create professional reports, then you\u2019ve come to the right place.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smart Small, Think About Your Font<\/b><\/h2>\n

In all of the professional world \u2014 whether you\u2019re preparing a report for a professor or some shareholders \u2014 there are exactly three acceptable fonts you should use: Helvetica, Arial, or Times New Roman. That\u2019s it. Save the Comic Sans or Courier for your rough drafts if you must use them, but never turn in an official report that uses any font other than the approved three.<\/span><\/p>\n

Think About Your Audience<\/b><\/h2>\n

You\u2019re going to want to tailor your language to meet the needs of your audience. If you\u2019re preparing an interoffice memo, for example, you can use industry jargon and possibly even make a joke or two without much fear of reprisal. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, if you\u2019re sending your report to a client, you\u2019ll want to avoid industry terms (so as not to confuse or alienate your audience) and maintain a tone of authority about your topics. Don\u2019t make jokes, don\u2019t use slang; write succinctly and clearly.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Structure Your Report<\/b><\/h2>\n

It might be tempting to simply open your document, say what you\u2019ve got to say, and then send it out. Instead, it\u2019s likely beneficial for you to jot down a few notes considering what you\u2019d like to say, then organize those notes before writing.<\/span><\/p>\n

When writing, don\u2019t try to get fancy. Every report you send out should read in the following format:<\/span><\/p>\n