What is an Executive Summary?
An Executive Summary, simply put, is a document that summarizes a longer report or proposal in a more concise manner. This way, readers can easily become familiar with the overall content of the text without reading it in its entirety. A proper Executive Summary, it must include:
- Introduction
- Restate the purpose of the report
- Highlight the major points of the report
- Describe the results, conclusions or recommendations
It should include enough detail and information that the reader can understand what the full report states. These reports are often one to two pages long and are written in a formal tone. They are incredibly beneficial because a reader can understand the purpose of the business plan, project proposal, product launch presentation or sales pitch in a fraction of the time.
A reader should feel empowered after reading the Executive Report because they understand what is next in your business. Whether you are seeking support for a position or making a case for your business, the executive summary should explain how the report contents will impact the reader.
Executive Summaries are commonly used in numerous cases, including:
- Business plans
- Legal briefs
- Product launch plans
- College campus surveys
- Market research reports
- Environmental studies
- Project proposals
- Hospital planning and evaluation
