business-writinglisted

# Business Writing Respect the reader's time. Verdict first, evidence after, decision-ready. ## The core rule **BLUF — the bottom line is the first line.** Executives read the first sentence; if it does not contain the answer, the rest may never be read. Every paragraph earns its place by carrying a fact, a decision, or a requested action. Workflow: `one sentence: the verdict or the ask` → `2–4 supporting facts with numbers` → `one sentence: what you need or what happens next` → `delete everything else`. ## Mechanics 1. **First sentence = verdict or ask.** "Q3 revenue missed by 12% and we recommend extending the campaign." If the answer is a decision, say the decision. 2. **One idea per paragraph, one decision per paragraph.** If a paragraph contains two decisions, split it. 3. **Numbers over adjectives.** "12% below target, $84K short" not "significantly below expectations." 4. **Active, concrete verbs.** "We shipped", "I recommend", "The fix resolved". Never "it was determined that". 5. **State the ask explicitly.** "I need your approval by Friday." Never implied asks. 6. **No buzzwords.** Ban list: synergy, leverage (as verb), circle back, touch base, bandwidth, move the needle, low-hanging fruit, deep dive, going forward, best-in-class, robust, seamless, optimize (unspecified). 7. **Short paragraphs, short sentences.** 15–20 words average; paragraphs 2–4 sentences. 8. **Options with recommendations.** When presenting choices: recommendation first, alternatives with