 |
| “Grasp
the subject, the words will follow.”
— Cato the Elder |
Types of Reports
Depending on the objective(s) of the report, who your audience
is, and what you want them to get out of it, your report can
take many different forms. It can be anything from a detailed,
data-intensive report written for funders, to a short oral
presentation for the press. Here is a list of report types,
a description and audience they are best used for and samples
of each. Descriptions are provided by The Community Toolbox.
| Type of Report |
Description
and Audience best used for |
Sample
and Tips |
| Technical reports |
This is a detailed report on
a single issue, such as a small study on one or two sample
groups. It can be given at a staff meeting or as part
of a larger report
Best used for funding agencies, program administrators,
advisory committees |
|
| Executive summary |
A few pages, usually at the beginning or
end of a longer report, which outlines a study's major
findings and recommendations
Best used for funding agencies, program administrators,
board members and trustees, program staff, advisory committees,
political bodies, program service providers (technicians,
teachers, etc.) |
|
| Popular article |
An article written with the target audience
of the medium in mind. Some magazines and papers target
specific populations. It normally contains more information
than a press release, but focuses on two or three quick
points
Best used for program administrators, board members and
trustees, program staff, political bodies, community groups,
current clients, potential clients, program service providers,
organizations interested in program content |
|
| News release and/or press conference |
A gathering with the media for
the purpose of releasing specific information
Best used for program administrators, the media, wide
distribution of simplified information |
|
| Public meeting/Oral Presentations |
A gathering that's open to the
general public where more general evaluation findings
are released in a clear, simple manner, usually with some
time set aside for open discussion
Best used for community groups, current clients, the media |
|
Tip:
A rule of thumb for estimating the
amount you should present goes as follows:
•
1 minute per simple slide
•
2 minutes per data/ table slide |
|
| Staff workshop |
A more interactive, working
presentation for your group or coalition's staff and volunteers
Best used for program administrators, program staff, program
service providers |
|
| Brochures/posters |
Brief, simply-worded printed
materials that can be distributed and mailed to various
outlets in the community. Needs to focus on one quick
point
Best used for potential clients |
|
| Memo |
A short letter circulated internally
among program staff
Best used for program administrators, program staff, program
service providers |
N/A |
| Personal discussion |
Sitting down face-to-face to discuss evaluation
findings with an individual or small group
Best used for funding agencies, program administrators,
program staff, program service providers |
N/A |
Top
--------------------
Bibliography:
Source: Hampton, C., Francisco, V.T., & Berkowitz, B.
(n.d.). Communicating information to funders for support
and accountability. Retrieved September 1, 2004 from
the Community Tool Box web site.
|
|
