Writing Effectively at The World Health Organization

Preparation: Draft the body of your report or proposal

Using your outline as a guide, draft the body of your report or proposal now.

Do not feel that you must prepare the introduction, conclusion, recommendations or executive summary as part of this initial draft. In general, it is easier to begin with the body of the report and draft the other sections once the initial draft is complete.

Do not try to make this draft perfect. A first draft is just that—a first draft. Your goal is to get your ideas down on paper, supporting your main message by following the outline you have already prepared. You will have time to revise and proofread your work later.

Professional writers know it is much easier to revise than it is to begin with a blank page. Right now, your task is just to produce something for later revision.

© WHO 2011