Tips

1) Use colour sparingly: A report is about content, so bear this in mind. Use colour to enhance the report but remember that the presentation will be a distant memory if it is not well-written.

2) Cut, cut, cut: Knowing when to stop and how to convey information concisely means that you will have to cut, paste and edit your report several times before submitting it. Also remember to seek the advice of others who are not so involved and can bring a sense of perspective.

3) First impressions last: Spelling or grammatical mistakes will seriously undermine the impact of your report. Always use a spell checker and if the report is crucial, ensure it is proof read by someone else.

4) Balance text and pictures: A picture is worth a thousand words, but putting graphics every 300-400 words will keep your audience attentive and interested.

5) Use the space: Be smart and use white space. Using 1.5-line spacing eases the reading process for the reader.