An executive summary is a critical part of any proposal or report, as it provides decision-makers with an overview of the main points and conclusions. Thus, a compelling executive summary is one that grabs the reader’s attention and is persuasive. Here are some tips for creating a compelling executive summary:
Start with a strong opening statement.
The first sentence of your executive summary should be a powerful statement that grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of the summary. Furthermore, it should clearly convey the purpose and value of the proposal or project, and make the reader want to keep reading.
Identify the problem and the proposed solution.
The body of the executive summary should provide a brief overview of the problem or opportunity being addressed, and the proposed solution. It should clearly convey the benefits and value of the proposal or project, and demonstrate how it will meet the needs of the organization or stakeholders.
Use data and evidence to support your argument.
A compelling executive summary should be grounded in data and evidence that supports your argument. This can include statistics, research findings, case studies, or other evidence that demonstrates the need for the proposal or project, and the potential impact it will have. Correspondingly, make sure to cite your sources and use clear and concise language to convey your points.
Highlight the unique selling proposition.
What sets your proposal or project apart from others? Hence, you should highlight the unique selling proposition in your executive summary. This could be a unique feature, a new approach, or a competitive advantage. Moreover, make sure to clearly explain why this is important and how it will benefit the organization or stakeholders.
Keep your executive summary concise.
A compelling executive summary should be focused and concise, with no unnecessary information or details. Keep in mind that decision-makers are busy and may not have time to read a lengthy summary. This means to stick to the most important points and use clear and straightforward language to convey your message.
Use a compelling call-to-action.
The conclusion should include a clear and compelling call-to-action. What do you want the reader to do next? This could be to support the proposal or project, provide feedback, or take some other action. Above all, make sure to clearly explain the next steps and provide any necessary information or resources.
Edit and revise.
Once you have written your summary, take the time to edit and revise it. Read it out loud to check for clarity and flow, and make sure that the language is concise and persuasive. Ask a colleague or mentor to review it and provide feedback. Make any necessary changes and proofread carefully before submitting it.
TLDR
In conclusion, a compelling executive summary is essential for gaining support for a proposal or project. By starting with a strong opening statement your executive summary should grab a readers attention. In addition to this, it should clearly identify the problem and proposed solution that you are offering.
Overall, using data and evidence to support your argument, highlighting the unique selling proposition, keeping it concise, and using a compelling call-to-action, you can persuade decision-makers to support your idea.
Thank you for reading!
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