The devil is in the details: How to avoid overwhelming report readers

Kuvaus

Internal audit reports remain the most common way to communicate final engagement results.

These reports are often lengthy, detailed accounts of both fieldwork and results. But is this what most readers or recipients want?

When unnecessary detail clutters reports, the result is mixed messages, disengaged readers, and missed opportunities for both internal audit and the organization.

In this session, we will explore why so many report writers focus on the details, not the readers. We will look at practical ways, from fieldwork documentation onwards, to write more effectively and prioritize the information that truly matters.

This session is led by Sara I. James, who is both an internal auditor and a professional freelance writer and editor. She was the copyeditor of the GIAS and was part of the working group for the Final Engagement Communications Global Practice Guide.

Learning objectives:

• Explain the different audiences or recipients of a final engagement communication.
• Refresh knowledge of the GIAS and Final Engagement Communications Global Practice Guide.
• Demonstrate tools and techniques to tailor communications for readers’ objectives and needs.

CPE credit(s): 1 CPE upon live viewing and participation. CPEs not offered on-demand.