It is again the time of year when CFOs are gearing up for their annual financial presentations. These crucial meetings can make or break a career, but unfortunately, they can also be pretty darn dull.
Is that a yawn I hear? In order to keep your audience from dozing off, you need to find ways to make your presentation stand out. That is not always easy, especially when dealing with numbers and spreadsheets all day.
However, do not worry; we have got you covered. Here are some tips on how to make your annual report more exciting.
But wait, what exactly is an annual statement?
An annual report is a document that public companies must provide to shareholders yearly. It includes information about the company’s financial performance and any significant events over the past year.
Why is an annual financial statement important?
An annual report is essential because it gives shareholders and potential investors a clear picture of the company’s health. It also helps them to make informed decisions about whether or not to invest in the company.
While these reports are typically pretty dry, they do not have to be. You can make your annual report stand out from the rest with some creativity. Here’s how:
1) Use data visualizations
Using data visualizations is one way to make your annual report more attractive. This can help make complex information easier to understand and look pretty cool. There are several ways to visualize data, so get creative and see what works best for you.
2) Get creative with your layout
If you want your annual report to stand out, get creative with your layout. Think about ways to use color, white space, and typography to add interest. You can also experiment with different paper stocks and printing techniques. The sky is the limit, so let your creativity shine through.
3) Put funny videos in it
No, seriously. Adding a few funny videos can lighten the mood and make your report more enjoyable to sit through. Just make sure they are relevant to your presentation and not too long.
4) Use colorful charts and graphs (annual reports must-have!)
Gone are the days of dull black and white charts. With today’s technology, you can easily create beautiful, colorful visuals to capture your audience’s attention for your annual finance reports.
5) Make it interactive
Do not just stand up there and read from your slides โ make it interactive! Ask questions, give polls or quizzes, or even bring in a guest speaker. The more engaged your audience is, the more likely they will pay attention to what you have to say.
6) Hire a professional designer
If you want to make your annual report stand out, hire a professional designer. They can help you with everything from layout to data visualization, and they will make sure your report looks its best.
Companies annual reports are vital, so make sure you invest in them.
7) Infographics are a godsend! (Especially good for financial performance slides)
Adding an infographic or two is a great way to make complex information more digestible โ and they look pretty cool, too. Make sure you do not go overboard โ a few well-placed infographics can do the trick.
8) Use before-and-after photos
If your company has undergone significant changes over the past year, show it! Before-and-after photos are always impressive and will help your audience see your progress.
9) Get personal
Annual reports are an excellent opportunity to tell your company’s story. Share your mission, vision, and values with your audience, and let them get to know the people behind the scenes. This is a great way to connect with your audience and build loyalty.
Most annual reports are yawn-fests; adding a bit of human touch behind it might do you good.
10) Keep it short and sweet
Remember, no one wants to sit through a long, dry report. So make sure you keep it short and sweet. Get to the point, and do not include anything that is not essential. I mean, no one will understand financial data if you drone on and on, right?
Bonus Tip: Elements you need to include in your annual report
- A cover page
This is where you will put your company’s name, logo, and the report’s title and date. A cover page is an excellent opportunity to be creative and make a good first impression.
- A table of contents
This will help your audience navigate your report and find the information they want. Make sure it is straightforward to understand, with hyperlinks that take them directly to the relevant sections like financial statements and other business operations data.
- An executive summary
This is a brief overview of your company’s performance over the past year. It should include highlights, achievements, and any other important information.
- Financial statements
These are the meat and potatoes of your annual report. Include balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and other relevant financial highlights. Financial statements have essential data for the securities and exchange commission, so do not mess it up!
- A message from the CEO (including the company’s financial position)
This is your chance to share your company’s vision and goals for the future. Keep it short, sweet, and inspiring. Be honest with your company’s financial condition but always stay motivated and positive.
- An introduction
This is where you will give some background information on your company. Include your history, milestones, and any other relevant information.
- The body of the report
This is where you will include all the details of your company’s performance over the past year. Use clear headings and easy-to-understand language so your audience can easily follow along.
- Appendices
These are any additional materials you want to include in your report. This could be anything from charts and graphs to data tables and product brochures.
- Acknowledgements
This is where you will thank your employees, shareholders, and anyone who has contributed to your company’s success.
- Contact information
Ensure you include your company’s contact information so your audience can easily get in touch if they have any questions.
From a yawn to yey!
Annual reports can be daunting, but with some planning and creativity, you can create an informative and impressive report. Just remember to keep it short, sweet, and to the point.
And if you want to make your report stand out, hire a professional designer. They can help you take your report to the next level. Remember that this is key for your investors, the public, and the securities and exchange commission, so invest in it!
