Executive Summary

Definition

A short, self-contained section at the start of a longer document that conveys the essential conclusions and recommendations to readers who will not read the rest.

Why it matters

Senior readers triage on first contact. An executive summary that fails to stand on its own renders the rest of the document invisible to the people who most need its conclusions.

Examples

• The first page of a strategy document.
• The opening of a research report.
• The introductory paragraph of a long memo.

Best practices

• Write the summary last.
• Make it work without the body.
• Use the same framing the body uses.

Related concepts

• glossary
  Executive Briefing

FAQ