Prewriting: The context of your document

As you get started, consider the overall context of your document. Where does it fit in among the different projects and programmes happening at WHO? Your report or proposal represents one critical moment in a continuous communication process. Proposals seek out funding and support for projects and programmes; reports inform interested readers, including donors, about the status of these activities and often recommend further projects or new directions; briefing notes help people share important information and influence strategic decisions. Very few documents exist in isolation; most are part of an ongoing conversation about a particular public health need.

In this way, your document does not stand alone. It is part of a greater effort to enlist and maintain support from partners, donors, governments, and other interested parties.

Establishing the context of your document is an important part of prewriting. Identifying and reviewing relevant documents such as terms of reference, guidelines and templates is an important part of the process. Establishing a checklist for document completion and a timeline for the project can help you keep the project on track.

© WHO 2011