USE:
· As part of
reports to shareholders
· Train
spokespersons for media interviews
· As a part of a
press kit
· As a sourc
document for other types of writing
What They Do
· Provide
information on an organization or issue.
· Can include
research and/or verifiable information
about organization
or issue.
· May describe an
internal situation within an
organization
(provide history, relationships,
development, etc.)
General
Things to Keep in Mind When Writing a
Background
· As a general
rule, they are usually short—no more than three to five pages long.
· Be brief, direct,
concise, and informative.
·
Lead with a statement focused
on the issue to be examined, then follow the lead with research-based facts
tracing the history of the issue and providing context to interpret the
position.
· Make sure your
tone appears to be neutral and
nonjudgmental.