The HBR Guides Collection (8 Books) (HBR Guide Series)

49

Chapter 9

Learn to

summarize—

accurately

A good summary is focused and specifi c—and it’s at the

beginning of your document so readers don’t have to dig.

It gets to the point. It lays the foundation for what’s to fol-

low. There’s no holding back on the crucial information.

Consider the difference between these two openers to

a recommendation that a proposal be rejected:

NOT THIS:

Summary

The cell phone changeover that has been proposed should

be rejected. For the reasons stated below, the company would

not be well served by accepting the proposal.

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Developing Your Skills

50

BUT THIS:

Summary

Last ...