Manuals / Communication / Ch 2

A · WritingBeginner25 min read

2. BLUF: bottom line up front

Communication · 36 pages source format

Lead with the point. Context after. Explicit asks. Respect that everyone is skimming.

What you'll learn

  • BLUF structure
  • Explicit asks
  • Subject lines that work

BLUF template

Decision/update → why it matters → ask/risk → next step.

Do this now

Rewrite a long update as 5-line BLUF.

Clear?

Subject line test

Reader should know the topic without opening. "Quick question" fails.

Do this now

Rewrite 3 subject lines to be specific.

Clear?

Checklist