Rewrite One Unclear Message

Clear messages answer three things quickly: who this is for, why it matters to them, and what you are asking them to do.

• Unclear: 'Just following up on the below, let me know your thoughts when you get a chance.'

• Clear: 'You asked for the cost impact before Thursday's board pack. It is in the attached one-pager. I need your approval by Wednesday 5pm to keep the schedule.'

Find one message you sent in the last week that did not get the response you wanted.

Rewrite it in three lines: the audience's interest, the essential information, and the single action with a deadline.