High-stakes communication.
WHAT QUALIFIES
Resignations Complaints about a colleague Formal grievances Legal correspondence Anything to a regulator Public statements
WHAT TO DO FIRST
Establish what outcome you want.
WHAT TO DO SECOND
Write it, and leave it.
HOW LONG
Overnight, at minimum.
WHAT TO DO THIRD
Have someone you trust read it.
WHY
You cannot see your own tone.
WHAT TO ASK THEM
How it reads, and whether it achieves the aim.
WHAT TO CHECK IN THE DRAFT
Every factual claim Every date Anything asserted about another person
WHY
Errors undermine everything else you say.
WHAT TO REMOVE
Emotion Characterisation Anything not necessary to the aim
WHY
It gives the recipient somewhere else to focus.
WHAT TO KEEP
Facts, dates, and what you are asking for.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Who else may read it.
WHY
These messages are circulated.
WHAT TO TAKE ADVICE ON
Anything with legal implications.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DELIVERY
Use a route that evidences receipt, where it matters.
WHAT TO KEEP
A copy, and the evidence of sending.
WHAT TO DO AFTER SENDING
Nothing further, until they respond.
