1. 1 Chapter 19 The Research Report © 2005 Thomson/South-Western

2. 2 Source: Criteria for Evaluating Research Reports Fundamental Criterion--communication with the reader or readers Writing Criteria: Completeness--whether the report provides all the information readers need in a language they understand. Accuracy--whether the reasoning in the report is logical and the information correct. Clarity--whether the phrasing in the report is precise. Conciseness--whether the writing in the report is crisp and direct. * * * *

3. 3 Model of the Communication Process Report Writer Report Reader Messag e EncoderDecoder

4. 4 Structure of the Research Report Title Page: Table of Contents: Summary: Introduction: Body: Conclusions and Recommendations: Appendix:copy of questionnaire, coding form, maps, detailed tables what was found with respect to each of the stated objectives, sometimes recommendations as to appropriate course of action details of method including type of research design, how data was collected, type of sampling plan used, and why these procedures were chosen; results and supporting tables and figures background information on the study including events leading up to it, definition of terms, specific objectives of the research necessary background, important results and conclusions, sometimes recommendations the divisions and subdivisions of the report, list of tables and figures subject, name of organization for whom report is made, name of organization submitting it, date

5. 5 Tips for Preparing Effective Presentation Visuals Keep it simple. Deliver complex ideas in a manner that your audience can understand. Present one point per slide, with as few words and lines as possible. Use lots of slides as you talk, rather than lots of talk per slide. Less is more when you are speaking. Use one minute per visual. Slides and overheads should make their impact quickly, then move on. No more than ten words per slide. Highlight significant points. Bullets work well for black and white transparencies; slides are better suited for color and graphics. Use a graphic on every page. One is usually enough. Take advantage of “white space,” and don’t overcrowd. Building complexity. If you have a complicated concept to communicate, start with the ground level and use three or four slides to complete the picture.

6. 6 Be careful with color. Color can add interest and emphasis. Color can also detract if used without planning. Plan your color scheme and use it faithfully throughout. Prepare copies of overheads or slides. Hand them to the audience before or after your presentation. If people have to take notes, they won’t be watching or listening closely. Number your pages. You will have a better reference for discussion in a question and answer period. Make visuals easy to read. Use large, legible typefaces. You can use up to three sizes of type, but use only one or two typefaces. Bold and italics can be used freely for emphasis. With slides, use light type against a dark background. Tips for Preparing Effective Presentation Visuals