By: Joseph A. Kamanda
Hosted by the Bank of Sierra Leone, the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM) has on Monday 8 July, 2024 officially opened a week-long Regional Course on Effective Report Writing Skills and Presentation Techniques at the New Brookfields Hotel, Jomo Kenyatta Road, Freetown. Covering from Monday 8 to Friday 12 July, the WAIFEM Regional Course on Report Writing Skills and Presentation brought to Freetown bankers from across West Africa.
Declaring the course officially opened on behalf of the Governor, Bank of Sierra Leone, Dr Ibrahim L. Stevens, the Chief Operating Officer, BSL, Ms Jenneh Jabati acknowledged the significance of effective communication in the realm of financial governance. She pointed out the ability of communicators in articulating complex ideas, present data compellingly, as report writing drive actions that are fundamental to the collective organizational success.
Madam Jabati disclosed that precise and clear communication is indispensable in the financial sector: saying; “Our reports inform policy decisions, shape public perception, and influence market behaviour. Whether we are drafting a financial stability report, presenting economic forecasts, or communicating monetary policy decisions or regulatory changes, our words carry weight and consequences”. She furthered that reports give consolidated and updated information. Madam Jabati underscored the vital role played by reports in modern business environments. The BSL Chief Operating Officer informed that reports are the foundation of the organisational development process. She continued that reports provide factual and up-to-date information about a subject. Madam Jabati thus defined a report as a sharp and concise document written for a particular purpose and audience.
According to the BSL Chief Operating Officer, report is usually a structured and organised document that generally sets out, describes, and analyses a situation or problem, often making recommendations for further actions. “Reports act as a means of internal communication. Reports provide feedback to employees. It is usually prepared for the information and guidance of the individuals or audience connected with the matter under consideration.
Reports facilitate decision-making and planning. Reports provide reliable data that can be used in the planning and decision-making process. It acts as a treasure house for long-term planning and decision-making” Madam Jabati further defined the term.
On developing report writing skills, Madam Jabati defined report writing as a combination of clarity, precision of language and report analysis. She explained that a well-written report is not just a collection of data and information but a narrative that guides the reader through complex concepts and leads to informed constructions. Madam Jabati said report writing also requires a clear structure and logical flow of ideas.
She therefore encouraged participants to ensure that their reports after the week-long regional course are easily read and understood even to someone with minimum knowledge of the subject. This, she said can be achieved by being precise and using simple English, shorter words and sentences. She added a powerful presentation can captivate an audience, clarify complex issues, and drive home key points.
Madam Jabati also spoke of the importance of presentation skills for public image and opinion, noting that it can as well influence leadership decision depending on the clarity and inspiration of the message presented.
Welcoming participants and facilitators at the opening of the five day regional course on behalf of Dr Baba Y. Musa, Dr Alvin Johnson said the institute has introduced new courses ranging from digital finance, cybersecurity in financial institutions, and sustainable economic policies. He said the aforementioned disciplines are designed to address emerging challenges and equip participants with skills required to navigate the complexities of modern financial system.
Dr Johnson said WAIFEM training programmes offer wide range of courses with interactive content, enabling participants to learn at their own pace and from any location. “WAIFEM has continued to strengthen its partnership with international organisations, financial institutions, and academic institutions. These partnerships ensure that our training content is aligned with global best practices and that our participants benefit from a diverse pool of expertise”, said Dr Johnson.
He furthered that recognising the importance of flexibility and accessibility in education, WAIFEM has invested in enhancing its e-learning platforms. “Our online training programmes now offer a wider range of courses with Interactive content, enabling participants to learn at their own pace and from any location”, he noted.
The opening was climaxed by way of vote of thanks from Abubakar Noma Adamu, Deputy Programme Officer, WAIFEN who lauded the efforts of BSL and participants for the confidence reposed in the institute.
