How to write emails and Slacks that get to the point
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🚫 Most of us think chronologically. So when we email we build up to our point by sharing all the detail and context, then ending with the main point.
✅ You want to flip it. Prioritise the key takeaway at the beginning, followed by supporting details and context needed to explain that main point.
This is often called Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF), or “starting with the bottom line”.
Hi [name]
Main Message
What do you want this person to know or do? By When? This is usually 1) an ask, 2) a recommendation, 3) or a critical update. One or two sentences. Not the backstory.
Background / Context
What’s the minimum context you need to give to explain the point above?