Examples of Main Messages
Let’s look at some examples that are related to the type of writing you are doing at the World Bank, building on examples provided earlier. You can now see how all these components complete your Dialogue with the Reader.
Please note that it is not possible to compose a generic main message that can apply to all reports of a particular type, such as proposals or evaluations. The main message must contain substantive information that will generate a further dialogue with your reader and help determine the logical organization of your report. Therefore, the table shows representative examples of main messages for these reports.
1. Type of document/report: Proposal |
|
Purpose |
To get approval for this project. |
Primary reader |
Funder, Manager, Decision maker |
Reader’s main question |
Why should I approve this project? Another way of saying this might be: What are the benefits of this project? |
Main message |
The Bank should accept this proposal for funding because its objectives are in line with the Uganda CAS; specifically, the funding proposed would help build local capacity for HIV/AIDS training and strengthen health sector knowledge management by improving hospital databases. |
2. Type of document/report: Analysis/Evaluation |
|
Purpose |
To evaluate the potential of results-based financing to improve health care in Country X. |
Primary reader |
TTL, other team members, government counterparts |
Reader’s main question |
What is the potential of results-based financing to improve health care in Country X? |
Main message |
Experience from other countries shows that RBF has strong potential to improve the quality and distribution of health services in Country X. [The rest of the document would present country examples and offer evidence to support positive effects.] |
3. Type of document/report: Recommendation report |
|
Purpose |
To recommend steps Region X should take to help the country reduce child malnutrition. |
Primary reader |
Food security policy makers in Region X, government partners, private agricultural partners |
Reader’s main question |
Broadly speaking, how can Region X help the country reduce child malnutrition? |
Main message |
Region X can reduce child malnutrition by implementing certain steps: increasing food aid, providing technical assistance to improve training for parents, and supporting locally consumed agricultural products. [The rest of the document would provide details and rationale to guide the policy shifts.] |
4. Type of document/report: Comments Paper |
|
Purpose |
To describe the aspects of the Project Concept Note about which we have concerns. |
Primary reader |
Authors of the Project Concept Note, the team directly involved |
Reader’s main question |
What are the aspects of the Project Concept Note about which you have concerns? |
Main message |
The aspects of greatest concern are that the objectives and outcomes of the project seem to be overstated, while the risks are understated. |