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GEN BUS 360: Workplace Writing and Communication (Spring 2022)

Frontloading Positive or Routine Messages

Most positive and routine messages should be direct, with key information frontloaded so that readers understand your purpose immediately.

Organizing Direct Messages

  1. Frontload the main point. If you are delivering good news, providing information, making a request, or announcing a meeting, put the essential information in the first sentence. This is particularly important now that so many readers look at email on their phones.

 

Avoid rote and meaningless openings like “I hope this message finds you well.”  You are just obscuring or delaying your main point.

 

  1. Provide necessary supporting details or explanations.

  1. Create a goodwill closing.  This is where you can express warmth and/or appreciation that is specific to the person you’re writing to.  Sometimes you may also want to include contact information or next steps in your closing, but continue to keep the tone personable.

 

Avoid rote and meaningless closings like “Thank you for your time and consideration.”  No one reads this cliché as sincere.

Content Credit

Content on this page was created by the Business Communication team at the Wisconsin School of Business.