Make Everything You Write Matter, Even E-mail

Natalie Canavor and Claire Meirowitz

Most people we know spend either no time at all planning what to write, or agonize endlessly about where to start, what to include, how to organize the message, and so on. If you’re in either category, we have a solution—really.

It’s a step-by-step system that works for just about everything. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Identify your goal. What’s the message? Desired outcome?

2. Think about your audience. Who is it? What do you know about the person or group?

3. Determine the right tone and format, based on answers 1 and 2.

4. Map the content based on your answers.

5. Organize in a way that works for your purpose.

6. Begin with a strong lead.

7. Write the middle, ...