Reports and summaries.
At work you'll often summarise information: meeting notes, weekly reports, a summary of a long document for your manager. Clear summaries make you look organised and smart. Today you'll learn the formula.
The BLUF rule: Bottom Line Up Front
Busy managers read the first 2 lines and decide whether to read more. So put the most important point first, then the details.
Not good: "On Monday we started looking at the data, then on Tuesday we found some issues, then…"
Good: "Sales fell 8% in October, mainly because of stock shortages at the Kukatpally store. Details below."
A simple weekly report
Subject: Weekly update – Week 45
Summary: On track. Sales report delivered; CRM migration 70% done.
Done this week
- Delivered October sales report (shared Tuesday)
- Cleaned 4,200 duplicate customer records
Next week
- Finish CRM migration by Thursday
- Start November forecast
Risks / help needed
- Need IT access to the old server by Monday, otherwise migration slips by 2 daysMeeting notes (minutes)
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Date, attendees | Who was there |
| Decisions | What was agreed |
| Action items | Task, owner, deadline |
| Next meeting | Date and time |
The action items table is the most useful part: it shows who does what by when.
Writing tips for clarity
- Short sentences (under 20 words).
- Bullet points for lists.
- Numbers instead of vague words: "8% drop" not "a big drop".
- Active voice: "We delivered the report" not "The report was delivered by us."
Which opening is best for a report to your manager?
Status + key number + the one thing they need to act on.
Module 3 test
What should come first in a professional email?
Purpose first.
Which chat message is best?
Complete, polite and clear.
A cover letter should be…
Specific letters stand out.
What does BLUF mean?
Busy readers see the key point immediately.
The most useful part of meeting minutes is…
Action items turn meetings into results.
Day 47–50 task
Write a "weekly update" about your own week (studies, work or projects) using the template. Then summarise a long news article in 5 bullet points with the most important point first.
Lesson 13 complete!
You can write a short report and summary that busy people can read in one minute. You finished Module 3! Next: "Tell me about yourself".
Next: Tell me about yourself →