Writing better messages

Put the point first, ask for one thing, get your tone across, use plain words, format for phones and skimmers, and be clear about urgency.

Put the point first

Start with what you need and by when, so someone who reads only the first line still knows what to do.

One message, one ask

Every extra request, paragraph or detour lowers the chance that the request that matters gets done.

Tone: you sound clearer to yourself than you are

Writers are confident their tone comes across in text and readers often miss it; say the intent out loud and save hard conversations for voice.

Plain words win

Simple words and short sentences get understood and acted on, and they make you look smarter, not less.

Formatting for small screens and skimmers

Most messages are read on a phone, quickly; shape the message so its purpose survives a glance.

Timing, urgency and async manners

Readers assume more urgency than you meant, and they're already interrupted constantly; say how urgent something is, and time it kindly.