Is your annual report squeaky clean?

By Richard Ketchen | Published: February 17, 2011

“A DECENT annual report is becoming like a hygiene factor—it’s like washing your teeth on a daily basis.” That was the answer of one European corporate finance executive to the question, What makes a good annual report?

So in addition to being transparent, your annual report also needs the same care and attention as your pearly whites. Or, as Colgate says, “Smile care you can trust.”

The importance of both trust and transparency was driven home again recently Read More »

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Exchanges: Remarkable news and quotes

By Richard Ketchen | Published: January 11, 2011

Keeping annual reports simple. The future of narrative reporting. Photos can speak louder than words. Read More »

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How to manage the annual report tug-of-war

By Richard Ketchen | Published: November 29, 2010

If it hasn’t already started, it will be in full swing within a few weeks. I’m referring to the tug-of-war that takes place during the planning and production of an annual report. This contest usually features two teams: left-brainers (the logic and finance folks) versus right-brainers (the intuitive and creative types). Read More »

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Exchanges: Remarkable news and quotes

By Richard Ketchen | Published: November 8, 2010

Undressing for success. Accountants say less reporting provides more insight. Canadian regulators, meanwhile, want more reporting. Read More »

Posted in CSR reporting, Integrated reporting, Stakeholder communication | Leave a comment

Monster annual reports: Frankenstein’s still alive

By Richard Ketchen | Published: October 26, 2010

When the 2006 annual report from Hong Kong banking giant HSBC thudded onto the doorsteps of shareholders, the 458-page beast weighed in at 1.47 kilos or 3.2 pounds. The monster report was so heavy that the UK’s Royal Mail limited the number its workers were allowed to carry, to prevent back injuries. Pundits, meanwhile, claimed that the traditional annual report was on its way to being history. So, what, if anything, has changed? Read More »

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Exchanges: Remarkable news and quotes

By Richard Ketchen | Published: September 24, 2010

The new corporate reputation. Numbers versus a good story. Making annual reports more readable. [more]

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Annual reports: Bridging gaps or burning bridges?

By Richard Ketchen | Published: August 1, 2010

Like it or not, every company has communication gaps. Gaps exist between promises and performance, and between perception and reality, among others. Now, a new gap is developing between disclosure and understanding. [more]

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If money talks, let it speak clearly

By Richard Ketchen | Published: July 15, 2010

NASA’s latest rocket took a six-minute test flight last month. The Ares I-X is the longest rocket ever built at 327 feet. It’s part of NASA’s plan to send astronauts on a 238,857-mile journey to the moon by 2020.

What’s that got to do with business and financial communication? Well, some wag, usually a politician, would tell you that 2.5 million dollar bills laid end to end would reach the moon. Or, for that matter, the same number of fifty-dollar bills. Amazing! But not always enlightening. [more]

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4 narrative elements for effective annual reports

By Richard Ketchen | Published: April 1, 2010

A good annual report has all the elements of a good story. It offers powerful images, plenty of detail and a story line that interests, captivates and engages the reader. Producing an effective annual report doesn’t require you to write like Hemingway or Grisham, although that wouldn’t hurt. The effectiveness of your report depends more on how you employ essential narrative elements. [more]

Posted in Corporate reporting, Financial writing, Narrative structure, Stakeholder communication | 1 Comment

Plain English: More than just everyday words

By Richard Ketchen | Published: March 11, 2010

The Information Age is characterized by the ability of individuals to transfer information freely. This, of course, has led to ever-more abundant information. Perhaps too much. Which may explain why the attention span of your audience is getting ever-shorter. And why getting your audience to read, understand and act upon information is increasingly difficult. [more]

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