In this article
In this article
An executive summary is often the first—and sometimes the only—part of a business proposal, report, or strategic plan that decision-makers read. It’s your chance to capture attention, convey key points, and inspire action. Whether you’re pitching to investors, summarizing a project plan, or creating a strategic report, learning how to write your own compelling summary can be a game-changer.
In this guide, we’ll explore what an executive summary is, why it matters, best practices for writing one, and executive summary examples you can learn from to craft your own winning version.
What Is an Executive Summary?
An executive summary is a concise overview of a larger document. It distills the key information, findings, and recommendations into a short, easy-to-read section. Its primary purpose is to give busy stakeholders a quick understanding of the essential points without reading the full document.
Think of it as your “elevator pitch” in written form—it should summarize the what, why, and how of your document in just a few paragraphs.
Why an Executive Summary Matters
If your executive summary fails to engage, it’s unlikely that decision-makers will read the rest of your proposal or report. Here’s why it’s so important:
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First impressions count – This is your chance to set the tone and establish credibility.
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Time is limited – Executives don’t have the bandwidth to read 50-page reports in full.
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Decision-making – A well-written summary can influence whether a proposal is accepted or rejected.
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Clarity and focus – Distilling your work into a concise summary ensures you truly understand your own main points.
Key Elements of a Compelling Executive Summary
When learning to write your own compelling summary, keep these elements in mind:
1. Purpose Statement
Clearly define the purpose of your document. What problem are you solving? Why does it matter?
2. Background or Context
Provide relevant background so the reader understands the environment, challenges, or opportunities.
3. Main Findings or Insights
Highlight your most important data, insights, or results. Keep it brief but impactful.
4. Recommendations or Next Steps
Outline what action you’re proposing and why it’s the best course of action.
5. Conclusion
Close with a brief, memorable statement that reinforces the importance of your message.
Tips to Write Your Own Compelling Summary
If you want your summary to stand out, follow these best practices:
Keep It Concise
Aim for one page or less for most business documents. Only include essential information that supports your main message.
Use Clear and Direct Language
Avoid jargon or overly technical terms unless your audience expects them. Write for clarity.
Lead With the Most Important Information
Busy readers should be able to grasp your main point in the first few sentences.
Tailor It to Your Audience
An investor will want different information than a department head or client. Adapt your content accordingly.
Make It Engaging
Even though it’s a summary, it shouldn’t be boring. Use strong verbs, confident statements, and compelling data points.
Edit Ruthlessly
Every word should earn its place. Cut anything that doesn’t directly contribute to your core message.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When crafting your executive summary, be careful not to:
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Include too much detail – Save the deep dive for the main report.
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Write it first – Draft the summary after completing the full document so you know exactly what to include.
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Overuse buzzwords – Clarity is more important than trendy phrases.
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Ignore formatting – Use subheadings, bullet points, and white space to make it skimmable.
Executive Summary Examples
Here are a few executive summary examples to guide you in creating your own.
Example 1: Business Proposal Executive Summary
“Our company, GreenTech Solutions, proposes implementing a renewable energy system for ABC Manufacturing that will reduce annual energy costs by 35% while decreasing carbon emissions by 50%. Over the past year, we have successfully completed similar projects for three Fortune 500 companies, saving them a combined $4.2M. This proposal outlines a phased installation plan with minimal disruption to operations, starting in Q3 2025. We recommend moving forward to lock in current supplier rates before anticipated market increases.”
Example 2: Project Plan Executive Summary
“The Employee Wellness Initiative is designed to improve workplace productivity, reduce absenteeism, and enhance overall job satisfaction. Based on our survey of 1,200 employees, 78% expressed interest in on-site health resources. Our plan includes a fitness center upgrade, mental health support programs, and nutrition workshops. Implementation is projected to improve productivity by 15% within the first year, with an estimated ROI of 220%.”
Example 3: Market Research Report Executive Summary
“The Southeast Asia e-commerce market is projected to grow by 18% annually through 2028. Our research identifies Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines as the fastest-growing markets, with increasing smartphone penetration and improved logistics infrastructure. This report recommends expanding our product lines in these regions and partnering with local payment gateways to capture emerging market share.”
How to Adapt Executive Summary Examples for Your Needs
Reading executive summary examples is helpful, but don’t just copy them—adapt them to your specific context. Here’s how:
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Replace industry terms with ones relevant to your field.
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Use your own data and metrics.
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Reflect your company’s tone and branding.
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Highlight what sets your solution apart from competitors.
Writing Process for a Strong Executive Summary
To write your own compelling summary efficiently, follow this workflow:
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Write the main document first – This ensures you know your findings, data, and recommendations in full.
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Highlight key takeaways – Identify 3–5 points that summarize your entire document.
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Draft the opening hook – Write an engaging first sentence that captures interest immediately.
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Summarize each key section – Condense background, findings, and recommendations into a few concise sentences.
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Refine and edit – Cut unnecessary words and ensure the summary flows logically.
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Test readability – Share it with a colleague to confirm it makes sense without reading the full report.
Best Length for an Executive Summary
While the exact length depends on the document, most executive summaries should be:
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One page for short proposals or reports.
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Two to three pages for larger, more complex documents (e.g., strategic plans).
Remember, less is more when it comes to summarizing.
Formatting Tips for Readability
Even the best content can fail if it’s hard to read. To make your summary user-friendly:
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Use short paragraphs and bullet points.
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Include headings for each section.
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Keep sentences under 20 words when possible.
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Use active voice for stronger impact.
Conclusion
Learning to write your own compelling summary is an essential business skill. By studying executive summary examples and applying the tips in this guide, you can craft summaries that grab attention, communicate your message clearly, and persuade decision-makers to take action.
Next steps
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