An executive summary is a brief summary of a longer document, such as a business plan, proposal, or report. It serves as an introduction to the document and provides an overview of the main points and arguments. An executive summary should be concise, informative, and engaging, allowing the reader to quickly understand the document’s purpose and key takeaways.
What is an executive summary in simple words?
An executive summary is a short document that summarises the main points of a longer document, such as a business plan, report, or proposal. It provides the reader with an overview of the document’s purpose, main arguments, and conclusions.
What are the 4 main components of an executive summary?
An executive summary typically includes four main components:
- Introduction: The introduction provides an overview of the document and its purpose.
- Problem/Opportunity: This section describes the problem or opportunity that the document is addressing.
- Solutions/Recommendations: This section outlines the solutions or recommendations proposed to address the problem or opportunity.
- Conclusion: The conclusion summarises the main points and conclusions of the document.
What should not be included in an executive summary?
An executive summary should be concise and focused, so it’s important to avoid including unnecessary information. Here are some things that should not be included in an executive summary:
- Details that are not essential to understanding the main points
- Technical jargon that may be unfamiliar to the reader
- Long quotes or citations from the longer document
- Information that is not directly relevant to the document’s purpose
How long should an executive summary be?
An executive summary should be concise, typically ranging from one to three pages. The length may vary depending on the length of the longer document and the complexity of the subject matter.
What is a perfect executive summary?
A perfect executive summary is one that effectively summarises the main points of the longer document, is well-organised and easy to read, and is engaging and informative. It should provide the reader with a clear understanding of the document’s purpose, main arguments, and conclusions.
What is another name for an executive summary?
An executive summary may also be referred to as an abstract, a summary, or a synopsis.
What are 6 things you should include in an executive summary?
Here are six things that you should consider including in an executive summary:
- A brief introduction to the document and its purpose
- A summary of the problem or opportunity being addressed
- The proposed solutions or recommendations
- The expected outcomes or benefits
- The target audience or market
- The financial projections or budget, if applicable.
How to create an executive summary?
Here are some steps to follow when creating an executive summary:
- Read the longer document thoroughly and take notes on the main points and arguments.
- Identify the key points and arguments that are most important to the document’s purpose.
- Organize the information into a clear and concise format that flows logically.
- Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand.
- Edit and proofread the executive summary carefully to ensure that it is error-free and engaging.
Feedback
I hope this article helps you understand what an executive summary is and how to create one. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know.
Here’s some links that you may find helpful:
- Harvard Business Review: How to Write an Executive Summary – https://hbr.org/2015/01/how-to-write-an-executive-summary
- SCORE: Executive Summary Templates – https://www.score.org/resource/executive-summary-templates
- HubSpot: 12+ Executive Summary Examples (How to Write Guide) – https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/executive-summary-examples
- Business Insider: How to Write an Effective Executive Summary – https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-write-an-effective-executive-summary-2013-7
Thanks for reading,
Find your sunrise!
Lee.