The Scan Test
I used to write long, detailed emails. I thought more information meant better communication. I was wrong. Here is what I learned: busy people scan the first two lines, then decide.
The One-Sentence Rule
Every email now follows a simple structure: one sentence stating the purpose, a bullet list of actions needed, and a one-line closing. No pleasantries, no context, no background.
The Results
The results were immediate. People started responding faster. Fewer follow-ups. Less ‘can you clarify?’ The best compliment I ever received was: ‘I always read your emails because I know they will be short.’