Seven Secrets for Negotiating with Government: How to Deal with Local, State, National, or Foreign Governments—and Come Out Ahead

POWER TOOLS FOR INFLUENCING GOVERNMENT DECISIONS 133

philosophize about the nature of the problem or to interject mate-

rial that may be highly interesting but not relevant or helpful to

the government official in making a decision on your request.

4. Use headings and subheadings to structure your docu-

ment. Headings and subheadings summarize the main ideas of

your report or memorandum. They make initial reading of the

document and later reference to particular ideas and points much

easier than if the government official had to wade through endless

solid blocks of type.

5. Always use the active voice. Avoid the passive voice. A

memorandum or report written ...