Writing a fact sheet document
Using the attached excel spreadsheet, write a fact sheet document that provides high-level information for a senior executive on the 2019 fiscal year (FY) operating plan budget excel spreadsheet.
Please follow the following instructions:
Content
• Write in the present tense and as active as possible
• Keep the text brief - no one wants to read tons of information in small font
• Keep the most important information in the first paragraph - what the issue is, what action is needed, and label the main message(s)
• Use terms contained in spreadsheet consistently
• Double check all numbers and percent’s used
• If details are given in a table or chart, there is not need to give those details in the narrative (use general terms instead)
• If using lists, put them into bullets
• The fact sheet must be self-contained - do not refer to previous documents or assume that they remember the information
Layout
• Two pages
• Use times new roman, 12 point font
• The page should begin with the words “Fact Sheet,” followed by a very brief headline that explains the subject of the page.
• Use bullets when you can
• Use bolding and subject headings to emphasize important points
• Include two (2) simple graphs and charts to give the reader the information with just a glance and one should be a pie charts
• Give references for more information - in electronic communications you can offer links
Use the following below to check for writing errors
• Identify all acronyms at first use, then use only the acronym for the rest of the document
o Example: The Center for Rural Health (CRH) was established in 1980. The CRH is based at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences.
• In narrative, use the word “percent” rather than the symbol “%”
Example: Of the 100 people who were sent the survey, 80 percent responded.
• Avoid use of decimals when using percents.
o Example: The population of North Dakota has increased just over one percent in the past year.
• Using numbers: In general, any number at or below 10 is written out as words, above 10 as numerals.
o Example: During the program, information was sent to three communities resulting in responses from 234 people.
Exceptions: When a number comes at the beginning of a sentence and dates:
o Example: Two hundred thirty-four people responded to the mailing before April
• Titles: If a title comes before the name, it is capitalized. If it comes after the name, it is not. Courtesy (non-degree) titles such as Mr. Mrs., Miss, or Ms. are generally not used and should be used only when specifically requested (and then consistently).
o Example: Center for Rural Health Director Gary Hart attended the meeting. Brad Gibbens, deputy director of the Center for Rural Health, joined him.
• Dates: There is no comma between month and year. There is a comma between date and year.
o Example: We are planning on meeting in April 2019, possibly April 15, 2019.
• People first: When using terms to describe people, it is a good idea to use “people first language.”
o Example: Many of the children who are uninsured in North Dakota come from families with low income.
It is also a good idea to set the grammar check on your Microsoft Word program to check style also. This is done under Tools, Spelling and Grammar, Options, Grammar, Writing Style: Grammar & Style.
Look at the Examples below
• Center for Rural Health Fact Sheets