Final checks.
PURPOSE
Do I know what I want the reader to do Is that stated clearly, near the beginning
READER
Have I included the context they need Have I removed what they do not Is the vocabulary theirs
STRUCTURE
Is the point first Would the headings alone convey the argument Is anything buried that should not be
LENGTH
Can I remove a fifth of the words Is anything here only to demonstrate effort
TONE
How would this sound if I received it Would I be comfortable with it forwarded Am I sending this while annoyed
ACCURACY
Names Figures Dates Links and attachments Recipients
REQUEST
Is it unmistakable Is the deadline stated Is it clear who acts
FOR ANYTHING SENSITIVE
Has someone else read it Should this be a conversation instead
BEFORE PRESSING SEND
Read the first line and the last line.
WHY THOSE
They carry most of the meaning.
WHAT TO DO IF ANY ANSWER IS NO
Fix it, or wait.
WHAT THIS TAKES
A minute, against hours of clarification.