Table of Contents for How to Write Reports and Proposals


Acknowledgments vii
A note on this new edition ix
Introduction: pitfalls and opportunities 1(6)
What makes good business writing?
7(18)
The hazards of communication
7(1)
Serious, and very serious
8(3)
Why have a report?
11(1)
Readers' expectations
12(2)
The readers' perspective
14(2)
Powerful habits
16(1)
Earning a reading
17(2)
Inappropriate standards
19(1)
Clear inteation
19(1)
Absolute clarity
20(2)
The rewards of excellience
22(1)
A significans opportunity
23(1)
Key points
24(1)
Creating a good report
25(14)
Setting clear objectives
25(2)
A sound structure
27(2)
First, the beginning
29(2)
The middle
31(3)
The end
34(2)
After the end
36(1)
Key Points
37(2)
Preparing to write
39(20)
Why this report?
41(2)
Research prior to preparation
43(2)
A systematic approach
45(10)
Shaking off old habits
55(2)
Key points
57(2)
The power of language
59(20)
Cultivating a Style
59(1)
Readers' expectations
60(5)
Readers' dislikes
65(2)
The writer's approach
67(2)
Use of language
69(1)
Making language work for you
69(3)
Mistakes to avoid
72(3)
Following the rules
75(2)
Style
77(1)
Technological dilution
78(1)
Key points
78(1)
Dealing with numbers
79(10)
Action to help
80(2)
Methods of presenting numbers clearly
82(3)
The contribution of language
85(3)
Key points
88(1)
Making proposals persuasive
89(26)
A cumulative process
89(2)
A key stage
91(1)
Persuasive technique
92(1)
The don'ts
92(1)
The dos
93(3)
Quotations versus proposals
96(1)
Choice of format
96(2)
Timing
98(2)
Proposal content
100(7)
Checklist
107(1)
Covering letters
108(5)
The presentation of proposals
113(1)
Earn attention
114(1)
Key points
114(1)
The contribution of presentation
115(12)
How the pages look
117(4)
The exhibits
121(3)
Other options for inclusion
124(1)
Overall packaging
124(1)
Key points
125(2)
Afterword 127