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IAI Actuarial Core Principles · Business Management · Using data, company functions, people skills, influence and clear communication

Before sending a report on a group-insurance repricing to a client's HR head in Bengaluru, an actuary reviews it. Which single check most directly improves its clarity for the intended reader?

The best check is that the purpose, key results, assumptions and recommended actions appear in a logical order in language the reader understands, with technical terms explained or removed. Clear communication is judged by the reader's ability to understand and act, not by length or apparent sophistication.

  1. AConfirm that the report is as long as the previous year's report
  2. BReplace all numbers with qualitative phrases so that the report seems less technical
  3. CCheck that the purpose, key results, assumptions and recommended actions are stated in the order and the language the reader needs, and that undefined technical terms are removed or explainedCorrect
  4. DAdd additional technical sections so that the report appears more authoritative
  5. Remove the actions section so that the reader reaches their own conclusions

Explanation

Clarity depends on structuring the content for the reader: purpose, results, assumptions and actions, expressed in familiar language with technical terms explained. Length, vagueness, extra technicality or omitting actions do not improve understanding.

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