Busy readers read the top. Make it count.
Direct answer
A work summary should give the conclusion, the key reasons and the next step in a few lines at the top. Write it last, then check that someone who reads only the summary could act.
A three-line format
- What: the conclusion or recommendation.
- Why: two or three key reasons.
- Next: what you need and by when.
Example
"We should switch to the new supplier. It is 12 percent cheaper and delivers two days faster. Approval is needed by 30 June to avoid renewal fees."
Tighten a draft
- Cut introductions.
- Delete repeated points.
- Replace long phrases with short ones.
Where Teyro fits
Teyro's Clear Writing at Work course turns this into short lessons you can play in a few minutes a day. It has 50 lessons, and you can start free.
The bottom line
If the reader stops after three lines, they should still know what to do.
