Practical first steps.
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK
Put the point in the first line of every message Write a specific subject line every time Read each message once before sending, and cut something
WHAT TO DO THIS MONTH
Review your last ten messages and find the pattern Ask one colleague what your writing is like to receive Write one template for something you send repeatedly
WHAT TO CHANGE IMMEDIATELY
One topic per message Name the person who must act State the date
WHAT TO STOP DOING
Sending messages that say only hello Marking everything urgent Replying to all by default Sending anything written in anger
WHAT TO START DOING
Confirming verbal agreements in writing Summarising long threads before adding people Recording decisions somewhere findable
WHAT TO PRACTISE
Writing the same thing shorter.
WHAT TO MEASURE
How often people ask you to clarify.
WHAT A FALL IN THAT NUMBER MEANS
Your writing is working.
WHAT TO READ BACK
Your own messages from a year ago.
WHAT TO ACCEPT
That this is a skill, improved by practice rather than knowledge.
WHAT TO DO TODAY
Pick the next message you send, and put the point first.
