You're struggling to write a technical report. What's the best way to get started?

1 Understand the purpose

Before you start writing, you need to have a clear idea of why you are writing the report and who you are writing it for. What is the main goal or objective of the report? What are the key questions or problems that the report addresses? Who are the intended readers and what are their expectations and needs? How will the report be used or evaluated? Answering these questions will help you define the scope, structure, and tone of your report.

3 Research the topic

To write a credible and informative report, you need to gather and evaluate relevant information from various sources, such as books, journals, articles, websites, databases, or interviews. Make sure you use reliable and up-to-date sources that are appropriate for your topic and audience. As you research, take notes of the key facts, figures, concepts, and arguments that support your main points. Also, keep track of the sources and citations that you will need to reference in your report.

4 Write the draft

Once you have the outline and the research, you can start writing the draft of your report. Use clear, concise, and precise language that conveys your message effectively. Avoid jargon, slang, or unnecessary words that may confuse or distract your readers. Use headings, subheadings, tables, figures, and bullet points to make your report easy to follow and understand. Use transitions, connectors, and signposts to guide your readers through your report. Write in an objective and respectful tone that reflects your purpose and audience.

5 Revise and edit

The final step is to revise and edit your report to improve its quality and accuracy. Revising involves checking the content, structure, and logic of your report. Ask yourself if your report meets the purpose and expectations of your audience. Is your report clear, coherent, and consistent? Do you have enough evidence and analysis to support your main points? Do you have a strong introduction and conclusion? Editing involves checking the grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting of your report. Use tools, such as spell checkers, grammar checkers, or style guides, to help you correct any errors or inconsistencies. Also, ask someone else, such as a peer, a mentor, or a professional editor, to review your report and give you feedback.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?