How to Write a Business Abstract
Being concise is usually more difficult than being explanatory. According to Associate Professor Philip Koopman of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Penn., an abstract of a full paper is intended to convey in a few short sentences the motivation of the work described in the full paper, the problem you intended to solve, the approach you took to solve it, the results from your study, and your conclusions. The most common mistake in writing a business abstract is trying to write it before the full paper it summarizes is complete. Although the idea for the abstract comes before your paper is written, the abstract should be written last. Most important, it should be able to entice the reader, in just a few sentences, to read the full paper.
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Instructions
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Make a short checklist of the following, as recommended by Koopman: motivation for your paper, the problem it intended to solve, the research methods you used to solve it, the results and your conclusions. Jot down notes for each one.
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Do not try to entice the reader to read on by "hiding" details or the final conclusion. Remember that the abstract is a miniature version of the full paper. Include the question the paper proposes and the final answer.
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Do not use these "weasel words" identified by Koopman: "may," "seem," "might," "could" or similar words. Be exact. Present only true and definite information.
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Brainstorm search phrases that you would use if you were a stranger trying to find your paper. Include those words in your abstract where appropriate. Make your paper visible to its intended audience, as suggested by Daniel Kies of the English Department at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Ill.
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Write a first draft with the details you have collected. Let the first draft sit for a week.
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Reread your full paper and then the first draft of your abstract. Make sure the abstract conveys everything in your paper. Revise the abstract, if necessary.
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Have two or more of your peers who are aware of your work to read your paper first, then your abstract. Ask them how well the abstract represents the paper. Revise the abstract, if necessary.
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References
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