The realistic assumption.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS
Readers scan, read the first lines, and act on what they think you meant.
WHAT THAT DEMANDS
The point where they will see it.
WHERE THEY LOOK
The subject The first line Anything visually distinct The last line
WHAT TO PUT THERE
What you need, and by when.
WHAT NOT TO PUT IN THE MIDDLE
Anything essential.
WHAT TO DO WITH A LONG MESSAGE
Summarise at the top.
WHAT FORMAT HELPS
A short paragraph, then detail beneath a heading.
WHAT TO MAKE VISUALLY DISTINCT
The action required.
HOW
Its own line, or a short list.
WHAT TO AVOID
Emphasis on many things Long unbroken text Requests phrased as observations
WHAT A REQUEST PHRASED AS AN OBSERVATION LOOKS LIKE
Noting that the report has not been received.
WHAT WORKS
Asking them to send the report by a date.
WHAT TO ASSUME ABOUT ATTACHMENTS
That they may not be opened.
WHAT TO DO
Summarise the essential content in the message.
WHAT TO TEST
Whether reading the first three lines conveys the need.
WHAT TO ACCEPT
That this is not a failing of readers but a condition of work.
