Does it read like a novel or legal small print?
My first critique of report wording is something I used to be guilty of. As paraplanners we tend to be so concerned with ensuring the content is correct from a regulatory perspective, we forget about the delivery of our message. The result often resembles ‘machine gunning clients with bullet points’.
Another critique is writing long-winded paragraphs that cover too many separate points or factors.
Bite size chunks are best.
The average reading age is about 12 years. While this is a disappointing statistic, we should be writing for our audience. It’s therefore good practice to keep the language simple, short and easy to understand.
Commonly people only read magazines, blogs and newspapers, with the odd popular book. These reading materials are purposefully written with a low reading age to ensure the audience’s engagement.
Your reports should incorporate this approach to clear and concise writing to ensure your clients consume the information you are providing.
An essential part of the advisory role is education. The outcome after a client reads your report should be enhanced understanding of their financial position and the choices they will be making.
Making sure you word your content effectively is an essential part of achieving this outcome.
No client wants to read financial jargon.
Insight Report
Discover the 6-step approach to better client reports.
