Making written information easier to understand for people with ...
How to make financial reports easier to read and understand
-
Upload
quietroom -
Category
Investor Relations
-
view
166 -
download
4
Transcript of How to make financial reports easier to read and understand
![Page 1: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
How(wow) to get the words
right in your reports
Emily Bate – Writer (who’s feeling much better now, thanks)
Joe Craig – Writer
![Page 2: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Energy
Money
Health
Society
We exist to make…
…more meaningful to
more people.
![Page 3: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Clear Vivid Real
![Page 4: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Quietroom 4
The way we talk to people
shapes the way they react to us
![Page 5: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Quietroom 5
That chair looks a bit
worn – is it second-hand?
That chair’s got so much
character – is it vintage?
Friendly Rude
The same information, presented differently, gets a different reaction.
Words change how we feel, so they change how we behave.
![Page 6: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Quietroom 6
The way we talk to people tells
them what we’re like
![Page 7: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Quietroom 7
Put the mushrooms in a bowl and add the chopped herbs, a pinch of
salt and the lemon juice. Using your hands, get stuck in and toss
everything together – this is going to be incredible!
Take your risotto and add a little more seasoning if you like. Serve a
good dollop of risotto topped with some grilled mushrooms, a sprinkling
of freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
![Page 8: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Quietroom 8
First of all, you need to soak the dried porcini mushrooms and to do
this, you place them in a jug or a bowl and pour 570 ml of boiling water
over them. Meanwhile, chop the fresh mushrooms into 1 cm chunks –
not too small, as they shrink down quite a bit in the cooking.
When the mushrooms have soaked for half and hour, place a sieve
over a bowl, line the sieve with a sheet of kitchen paper and strain the
mushrooms, reserving the liquid.
![Page 9: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Quietroom 9
They’re making the same thing, but talking about it in a different way.
![Page 10: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Quietroom 10
The way we talk to people helps
us stand out from the
competition
![Page 11: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Quietroom 11
Hey long legs, fancy
some extra leg-room on
your flight? We have two
great value options for
you to kick back with
those extra inches.
Our best-value fares
include online check-in,
a generous baggage
allowance, allocated
seats, complimentary
drinks snacks or meals.
Forgettable Memorable
Airlines all sell the same thing,
but the way they talk makes them different
BA Virgin
![Page 12: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Quietroom 12
What’s all this got to
do with us?
![Page 13: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Quietroom 13
“[This research suggests] a Great Divide…between insiders and
outsiders, between producers and consumers, between the vocal
minority who sell financial services and the silent majority who buy.”
“Words matter – indeed they may never have mattered more.”
Andrew Haldane
Chief Economist, Bank of England
![Page 14: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Quietroom 14
“[We need to] make them more accessible for consumers and reduce
the time firms spend preparing them. This includes, for example,
layering information so the most important material is included towards
the start of the report and simplifying the language used.”
Easy to write
Easy to read
This is what the FCA says about annual reports:
![Page 15: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Quietroom 15
Words are an opportunity
![Page 16: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Quietroom 16
1. Talk like a real person
![Page 17: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Quietroom 17
2. Cut to the chase
![Page 18: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Quietroom 18
3. Guide your reader
![Page 19: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Quietroom 19
1. Talk like a real personAssume intelligence, not knowledge
![Page 20: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Quietroom 20
An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company in
which you make a lump sum payment or series of payments and in
return obtain regular disbursements beginning either immediately or at
some point in the future.
If you speak to people in complicated language…
…they’ll try to do the same back to you. Which changes their mindset.
![Page 21: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Quietroom 21
I can't signify the
naming as such.
You'd have to
explain that as to
the differential on
both of the
questions you've
asked.
![Page 22: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Quietroom 22
1. Talk like a real personAssume intelligence, not knowledge
Choose words that resonate
![Page 23: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Quietroom 23
Seaside
This might make you think of sand, sunshine, ice-cream…
![Page 24: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Quietroom 24
Coastal region
This might make you think of cliffs, rain and geography field trips.
![Page 25: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Quietroom 25
But they’re basically the same thing.
![Page 26: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Quietroom 26
AfterBefore
Sally will also have a guaranteed index
linked income for the rest of her life
should you predecease her.
Find the simplest, most resonant way to say something.
![Page 27: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Quietroom 27
AfterBefore
Sally will also have a guaranteed index
linked income for the rest of her life
should you die before her.
Sally will also have a guaranteed index
linked income for the rest of her life
should you predecease her.
Find the simplest, most resonant way to say something.
![Page 28: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Quietroom 28
AfterBefore
But, if you no longer want my review
service, you can cancel at any time.
You can do this by getting in touch with
the provider, and letting them know you
want to stop your payment.
If however you no longer wish to
receive my review service you are at
liberty to cancel this charge at any time
and can do so by contacting the
provider directly and confirming your
wish for this payment to cease.
Find the simplest, most resonant way to say something.
![Page 29: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Quietroom 29
Wait – but
isn’t this
dumbing
down?
![Page 30: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Quietroom 30
Meet Professor Daniel Oppenheimer
![Page 31: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Quietroom 31
Consequences of Erudite Vernacular
Utilized Irrespective of Necessity
Prof. Oppenheimer’s study was called:
![Page 32: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Quietroom 32
Consequences of Erudite Vernacular
Utilized Irrespective of Necessity
Problems with using long words needlessly
Prof. Oppenheimer’s study was called:
![Page 33: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Quietroom 33
“Contrary to prevailing wisdom, increasing the complexity of a text
does not cause an essay’s author to seem more intelligent. In fact, the
opposite appears to be true…Complexity neither disguised the
shortcomings of poor essays, nor enhanced the appeal of high-quality
essays. The mediation analysis suggests that the reason that simple
texts are viewed more positively than complex texts was due to
fluency. Complex texts are difficult to read, which in turn…lowers
judgements of an author’s intelligence.”
![Page 34: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Quietroom 34
Meet Professor Christopher R. Trudeau
![Page 35: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Quietroom 35
There was a statistically significant correlation between educational
level and the likelihood that a respondent would choose the plain-
language version. That is, as education increased, so did the
preference for plain language.
Prof. Trudeau studied people’s responses to legal documents.
![Page 36: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Quietroom 36
There was a statistically significant correlation between educational
level and the likelihood that a respondent would choose the plain-
language version. That is, as education increased, so did the
preference for plain language.
These results debunk the argument that higher-educated people will
not mind traditional legal language as much as others do. Rather,
even though people with advanced degrees might understand
traditional legal style, that’s not what they prefer.
Prof. Trudeau studied people’s responses to legal documents.
Clear, simple language is not dumbing down. Educated people know
what’s clear and they appreciate it.
![Page 37: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Quietroom 37
1. Talk like a real personAssume intelligence, not knowledge
Choose words that resonate
Use strong verbs not abstract nouns
![Page 38: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Quietroom 38
Democracy
Heroism
Design
Imagination
Love
Health
Peace
Abstract nouns aren’t always bad.
![Page 39: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Quietroom 39
Facilitation
Engagement
Management
Documentation
Communication
Collaboration
Strategy
Lots of the annoying ones end in –ment or -tion.
![Page 40: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
Quietroom 40
Recuperation
Requirement
Identification
Expiration
Reduction
Recommendation
Confirmation
Here are some financial planners seem to like:
![Page 41: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
Quietroom 41
Preparation for retirement
Preparing for retirement
Preparing to retire
Getting ready to stop work
You can turn abstract nouns into verbs, then decide if you’re using the
strongest verbs you can.
![Page 42: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
Quietroom 42
AfterBefore
If you need me to clarify anything, please get in
touch.
If you need me to clear anything up, please get in
touch.
If you require any further clarification, please contact
me immediately.
You can turn abstract nouns into verbs, then decide if you’re using the
strongest verbs you can.
![Page 43: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
Quietroom 43
1. Talk like a real personAssume intelligence, not knowledge
Choose words that resonate
Use strong verbs not abstract nouns
Put people in
![Page 44: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
Quietroom 44
AfterBefore
We require the following original documents from
you.
We’ll need you to send us the following original
documents.
The following original documents are required.
Putting people in makes it clear who needs to do what.
![Page 45: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
Quietroom 45
Using the active voice
The cat sat on the mat.
![Page 46: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
Quietroom 46
Using the active voice
The cat
WHO
![Page 47: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
Quietroom 47
Using the active voice
The cat
WHO
sat on
DID SOMETHING
![Page 48: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
Quietroom 48
Using the active voice
The cat
WHO
sat on
DID SOMETHING
the mat
TO WHAT
![Page 49: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
Quietroom 49
Using the active voice
The mat was sat on by the cat.
![Page 50: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
Quietroom 50
Using the passive voice
The mat
WHAT
was sat on
HAD SOMETHING
DONE TO IT
by the cat
BY WHOM
![Page 51: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
Quietroom 51
Using the passive voice
The mat
WHAT
was sat on
HAD SOMETHING
DONE TO IT
by the cat
BY WHOM
![Page 52: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
Quietroom 52
Using the passive voice
The mat was sat on.
![Page 53: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
Quietroom 53
In the passive voice, nobody takes responsibility
![Page 54: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
Quietroom 54
Meet Professor Richard Wiseman
![Page 55: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
Quietroom 55
The language of liars
• Liars remove themselves from the story by
avoiding pronouns like I, mine and myself
• Liars use longer and more convoluted
sentence structure by padding things out
with unnecessary, complicated words
So when you use the passive voice, you sound like you might be lying.
![Page 56: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
Quietroom 56
AfterBefore
Whilst we’ve made every effort to ensure accuracy,
we can’t accept liability for any errors or omissions.
We’ve done as much as we can to make sure the
information is accurate. If we’ve made any mistakes
or left anything out, we’re not liable.
We’ve done as much as we can to make sure the
information is accurate. If you notice a mistake,
please let us know. Otherwise, we’re not liable for
any mistakes you notice later down the line.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure
accuracy, no liability can be accepted for any errors
or omissions.
Using the active voice helps you work out what you really want to say.
![Page 57: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
Quietroom 57
2. Cut to the chaseUse short sentences
![Page 58: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
Quietroom 58
AfterBefore
This would be the most tax-efficient way of drawing
this income. It would also be the most sensible way.
That’s because you would not be drawing down on
crystallised funds that are deemed income
producing, so you would not affect your annual
allowance. This means you would be able to make
pension contributions in the future up to the
maximum annual allowance of £40,000, as opposed
to triggering the Money Purchase annual allowance
restriction of £10,000.
This would be the most tax-efficient way of drawing
this income and it would also be the most sensible
way as you would not be drawing down on
crystallised funds that are deemed income producing
therefore you would not affect your annual allowance
and would be able to make pension contributions in
the future up to the maximum annual allowance of
£40,000 as opposed to triggering the Money
Purchase annual allowance restriction of £10,000.
If you just put more full stops in…
![Page 59: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
Quietroom 59
AfterBefore
This would be the most tax-efficient way of drawing
this income. It would also be the most sensible way.
That’s because you would not be drawing down on
crystallised funds that are deemed income
producing, so you would not affect your annual
allowance. This means you would be able to make
pension contributions in the future up to the
maximum annual allowance of £40,000, as opposed
to triggering the Money Purchase annual allowance
restriction of £10,000.
This would be the most tax-efficient way of drawing
this income and it would also be the most sensible
way as you would not be drawing down on
crystallised funds that are deemed income producing
therefore you would not affect your annual allowance
and would be able to make pension contributions in
the future up to the maximum annual allowance of
£40,000 as opposed to triggering the Money
Purchase annual allowance restriction of £10,000.
…your writing is immediately easier to read and understand.
![Page 60: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/60.jpg)
Quietroom 60
2. Cut to the chaseUse short sentences
Put the important stuff up front
![Page 61: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/61.jpg)
Quietroom 61
2. Cut to the chaseUse short sentences
Put the important stuff up front
Cut anything you don’t need
![Page 62: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/62.jpg)
Quietroom 62
AfterBefore
I have undertaken an analysis of your needs and
requirements.
![Page 63: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/63.jpg)
Quietroom 63
AfterBefore
I have analysed your needs.I have undertaken an analysis of your needs and
requirements.
![Page 64: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/64.jpg)
Quietroom 64
3. Guide your readerUse headings that mean something
What does the reader really need to know?
If someone only read the headings, would they get the general idea?
![Page 65: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/65.jpg)
Quietroom 65
3. Guide your readerUse headings that mean something
Use bullets consistently
![Page 66: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/66.jpg)
Quietroom 66
Is the important stuff the clearest
thing on the page?
Are all these bullet points all
equally important?
![Page 67: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/67.jpg)
Quietroom 67
3. Guide your readerUse headings that mean something
Use bullets consistently
Break your contents into sections
![Page 68: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/68.jpg)
Quietroom 68
Let’s put it all together
![Page 69: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/69.jpg)
Quietroom 69
The heading should tell you what’s really in the section.
![Page 70: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/70.jpg)
Quietroom 70
The heading should mean something to a normal human.
![Page 71: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/71.jpg)
Quietroom 71
A pointer is more helpful than ‘please note’.
![Page 72: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/72.jpg)
Quietroom 72
Some great layout and bullet points. Needs a new heading though.
![Page 73: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/73.jpg)
Quietroom 73
Some bold lines really tell you what’s going on. Follow that through.
![Page 74: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/74.jpg)
Quietroom 74
These bold lines really tell you what that bit is about.
![Page 75: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/75.jpg)
Quietroom 75
The graphics are great – if they’re consistent.
![Page 76: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/76.jpg)
Quietroom 76
The graphics are great – if they actually mean something.
![Page 77: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/77.jpg)
Quietroom 77
Focus on what the reader needs to know – and why.
![Page 78: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/78.jpg)
Quietroom 78
If you want to explain the background, put it in the background.
![Page 79: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/79.jpg)
Quietroom 79
So you’ve got space at the front for what’s really relevant.
![Page 80: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/80.jpg)
Quietroom 80
page 22
page 26
page 27
page 28
If you really want to explain something, do it once, then stop.
![Page 81: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/81.jpg)
Quietroom 81
Nobody will mind if you get straight to the point.
![Page 82: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/82.jpg)
Quietroom 82
Clear your throat, then go back and cut it.
So what really matters stands out.
![Page 83: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/83.jpg)
Quietroom 83
You can write how you’d talk.
![Page 84: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/84.jpg)
Quietroom 84
How many of the things we’ve talked about can you spot?
![Page 85: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/85.jpg)
Quietroom 85
Risks to your investments
• The government might change the rules about how they tax investments.
• If your investments don’t grow by more than the amount we charge in
fees, the fees will eat into your capital.
• If you take out more money than the amount your investments grow,
what you take out will eat into your capital.
This is a quick rewrite.
• Don’t be afraid to repeat important words.
• Does it really need to be in bullet points?
• Does this?
![Page 86: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/86.jpg)
Quietroom 86
Here’s what we talked about
Talk like a human• Assume intelligence, not knowledge
• Use words that resonate
• Use strong verbs instead of abstract nouns
• Put people in
![Page 87: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/87.jpg)
Quietroom 87
Here’s what we talked about
Talk like a human
Cut to the chase• Use short sentences
• Put the important stuff first
• Cut
![Page 88: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/88.jpg)
Quietroom 88
Here’s what we talked about
Talk like a human
Cut to the chase
Guide your reader• Use headings that mean something
• Use bullets consistently
• Break your contents into sections
![Page 89: How to make financial reports easier to read and understand](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051123/5a65af617f8b9ac2368b4aa9/html5/thumbnails/89.jpg)
Quietroom 89
Don’t disappoint Professor Fluffikins