The whole category in one page.
PUT THE POINT FIRST
Readers decide whether to continue within seconds, and everything after the conclusion is understood in its context. This single habit improves more writing than any other.
DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT THE READER TO DO BEFORE YOU WRITE
If you cannot answer that, you are not ready to write. Make the request unmistakable, name who must act, and state the date.
ONE TOPIC PER MESSAGE, AND A SUBJECT LINE THAT DESCRIBES IT
Several topics means one gets answered, and vague subjects are deprioritised and unfindable a year later.
SAY BAD NEWS AND NO PLAINLY, NEAR THE START
Softening until the message disappears is worse than bluntness, and vague deferral produces repeated asking and lasting resentment.
NEVER SEND ANYTHING WRITTEN IN ANGER
Written anger is permanent, forwardable and undeniable. Draft it, leave it overnight, and keep only the facts.
ASSUMED SHARED CONTEXT IS THE COMMONEST CAUSE OF CONFUSION
State what the reader needs, even when it feels obvious to you.
CONFIRM EVERY VERBAL AGREEMENT IN WRITING, AND RECORD EVERY DECISION SOMEWHERE FINDABLE
BECAUSE RECOLLECTION DIVERGES WITHIN HOURS AND DECISIONS ARE RELITIGATED WITHIN MONTHS
