Analytical reports for skeptical audiences should generally follow the ________ approach.

A) direct
B) indirect
C) hypothetical
D) aggressive
E) persuasive

Skeptical audiences tend to require more convincing, so an indirect approach is often more effective. This involves presenting the evidence and analysis before making the conclusion or recommendation, allowing the audience to come to their own conclusions based on the presented data. A direct or aggressive approach may be seen as confrontational, and a hypothetical or persuasive approach may not provide enough concrete evidence for skeptical audiences.