When there is no time to polish.
WHAT TO DO FIRST
Decide what the message must achieve.
WHAT TO WRITE FIRST
The request or conclusion.
WHY
If nothing else is read, that suffices.
WHAT TO ADD NEXT
The minimum context.
WHAT TO SKIP
Elegance Comprehensive background Anticipating every question
WHAT TO CHECK EVEN WHEN RUSHED
The recipient The request Names, figures and dates
WHY THOSE FOUR
They are the errors with consequences.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT ANYTHING SENSITIVE
Do not send it rushed.
WHY
Tone errors under pressure are the hardest to recover from.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Send a holding message, and write it properly later.
WHAT A HOLDING MESSAGE SAYS
That you have received it, and when you will respond properly.
WHY THAT WORKS
It removes the pressure without producing a bad message.
WHAT TO AVOID ENTIRELY WHEN RUSHED
Replying to anything that made you angry.
WHAT TO DO
Draft it, and leave it.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE SENDING ANY URGENT MESSAGE
Read the first and last lines.
WHY
They carry most of the meaning.
WHAT TO ACCEPT
That clear and imperfect beats polished and late.
