How can you tell a story in your reports and proposals?

1 Identify your purpose and audience

The first step to tell a story in your reports and proposals is to identify your purpose and audience. Why are you writing this document and what do you want to achieve? Who are you writing for and what do they need to know? By answering these questions, you can tailor your story to fit your goals and your readers' expectations. For example, if your purpose is to persuade your boss to approve a new project, you need to show how it will benefit the organization and address any potential objections. If your audience is a group of investors, you need to highlight the value proposition and the return on investment of your proposal.

2 Choose a narrative structure

The second step to tell a story in your reports and proposals is to choose a narrative structure. A narrative structure is a way of organizing your information into a coherent and logical sequence. There are many types of narrative structures, but one of the most common and effective ones is the problem-solution-benefit structure. In this structure, you start by presenting a problem that your audience faces or cares about, then you propose a solution that solves or alleviates the problem, and finally you show the benefits of implementing the solution. This structure helps you create a clear and compelling story that shows how your report or proposal can help your audience.

3 Use descriptive and emotive language

The third step to tell a story in your reports and proposals is to use descriptive and emotive language. Descriptive and emotive language is language that appeals to the senses and the emotions of your audience. It helps you create vivid images, evoke feelings, and convey personality in your story. For example, instead of saying "The project will increase sales by 10%", you can say "The project will boost your revenue by creating loyal customers who rave about your products". Descriptive and emotive language can make your story more memorable, relatable, and persuasive.

4 Add relevant details and examples

The fourth and final step to tell a story in your reports and proposals is to add relevant details and examples. Details and examples are specific pieces of information that support your story and make it more credible and convincing. They can include facts, figures, quotes, testimonials, case studies, stories, anecdotes, or scenarios. Details and examples can help you illustrate your points, back up your claims, and show the impact of your report or proposal. For example, instead of saying "The project will save time and money", you can say "The project will save you 20 hours and $5,000 per month by automating the invoicing process".

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?