Strongly agree with Tom Brakke on the importance of visually attractive presentations. A manager’s client reports and marketing pitch books are the most visible face of their firm, seen by hundreds of asset owners, trustees and consultants a year, but too little attention is paid to the subtle effects that design and data organization can have on audience perceptions.

Managers should refer to research published by Boston University Communications Professor Joyce Walsh in an initiative called ‘First Impression Matter’ www.assette.com/design