Category Archives: Plain language

Just the facts, please

By Richard Ketchen | Published: March 22, 2013

When I was a teenager, my grandfather told me that at his age, then 60-something, he could say pretty much what he wanted to. In other words, he’d earned the right to speak his mind. If someone didn’t like what he had to say, they could, well, do whatever. I was reminded of that long-ago [...]

Also posted in Annual reports, Communication strategy, Corporate reporting, Messaging strategy, Stakeholder communication | Leave a comment

What makes a great annual report?

By Richard Ketchen | Published: October 19, 2011

Asking an investor what makes a good annual report is like asking somebody what makes a good pizza. Some enjoy the simplicity of a thin, crispy crust topped with only tomato sauce and cheese. Others prefer thick-crusted varieties capable of supporting a shopping-cart load of toppings.

Also posted in Annual reports, Corporate reporting, Integrated reporting, Messaging strategy, Narrative structure, Stakeholder communication, Strategic messaging | Leave a comment

3 tips for simplifying your annual report

By Richard Ketchen | Published: June 20, 2011

Complexity is unavoidable in today’s ever more complicated and sophisticated business environment. Much of the complexity in corporate reporting, however, is created by the sheer volume of disclosure. The solution? Thoughtful reduction to achieve simplicity.

Also posted in Annual reports, Communication strategy, Corporate reporting | Leave a comment

5 ways to improve annual report narrative

By Richard Ketchen | Published: May 9, 2011

Annual reporting season has finally and mercifully come to an end for most companies. The cost of this exercise? Just for Form 10-K, the SEC estimated that companies chalk up 4 million hours of staff time and 12 million hours of outside advisor time, which, at $300 per hour, amounts to $3.6 billion. And that [...]

Also posted in Annual reports, Financial writing, Messaging strategy, Stakeholder communication, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Telling the story behind the numbers

By Richard Ketchen | Published: April 4, 2011

Love it or hate it, management’s discussion and analysis, or simply the MD&A, provides a window on details behind earnings and other key performance numbers. But is the MD&A a bastion of storytelling and plain language? Probably not.

Also posted in Annual reports, Corporate reporting, Financial communication, Financial writing, Integrated reporting | Leave a comment