Annual Report Editing
Annual report editing, for reasons relating predominantly to the need for factual accuracy, tonal consistency and adherence to corporate identity guidelines, poses a range of unique challengess.
When it comes to the editing of shareholder information such as annual or interim financial results and the interpretation thereof, annual report writers have scant latitude for linguistic interpretation. Certain financial and accounting language registers and written conventions must be observed when incorporating these content modules into the rest of the annual report.
By the same token, the annual report editor needs to re-engineer this often technically complex information to be as compelling and accessible as possible. This process generally involves a range of stylistic and format-related amendments. Jargon needs to be clarified, winding passively voiced sentences need to be converted into active voice, multiple ideas each needs be housed in their own separate sentences, and stale rhetoric needs to be reviewed and refreshed.
As a feedback mechanism, annual report editing provides key resources and divisional reporting entities with ‘red flags’ pertaining to contentious reporting, potential reputational risks or areas requiring further clarification. These issues can then be reviewed and remediated in due consultation with the relevant organisational players.
The result of this rigorous process is an accessible, professionally articulated piece of shareholder communications that presents your brand’s performance in a compelling fashion.
Contact us now for more information about Acumen’s annual report editing process.