Category Archives: Plain language

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 | Leave a 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. So how can you capture a reader’s attention and communicate clearly and effectively in the MD&A? The [...]
Also posted in Annual reports, Corporate reporting, Financial communication, Financial writing, Integrated reporting | Leave a comment

Wise words and plain language from Warren Buffett

By Richard Ketchen | Published: March 2, 2011
Warren Buffett, legendary investor and Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, recently released that company’s 2010 annual report. His famously open and honest shareholder letters first appeared in 1977. The letters are a must-read for anybody who communicates in writing with stakeholders.
Also posted in Annual reports, Communication strategy, Corporate reporting, Stakeholder communication | Leave a comment