Submitted by Fitch on
in
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The effective writing podcast - the BLUF model really worked for me today! It felt great!
I routinely have to put out 'reminder' emails to staff at my location.
As a high C I was writing one today and realised I had gotten a whole paragraph written without actually stating my simple point.
I recalled the podcast on effective writing. scrolled to the top of the email - bold and underline and typed the message 'when you're performing this role, please do this'.
Then I went on to explain the background to why, and then re-iterated the initial message.
I checked up with some recipients later and they knew exactly what I'd asked them to do.
It works! BLUF! Try it! Now I just realised I did it again! :)
Fitch
Effective Writing - thanks Gents
Nice work!
John
noticing lack of effective writing in others
hey
now i starting writing effectively i have started losing patience with those who dont! Am i a bad man?
I read email after email that rambles giving background that just isnt necessary until getting to the 'big reveal' at the end that is the message they want to get over.
Pity is i cant bring myself to give them the feedback!
Effective Writing - thanks Gents
Fitch,
How about peer feedback? I've done that and it works. One of our IT guys sends out a lot of security messages to the entire company. He always started his messages with "As you may already know" (or something else that caused me to tune out).
I told him about BLUF and his email are SO much more effective now. The question "What's in it for me?" is answered right away. The messages are still over a screen long, but it is much easier to scan for content when you know if the content even applies to you right away.
Funny you should say that!
The emails from my peer always start out 'as you may already know'.
I get on well with the guy so think I might try it out. Can't do any harm can it?
Thanks for the 'push' in the right direction!
Effective Writing - thanks Gents
Fitch: sometimes the most effective way to influence others is [i]indirect[/i]: by setting an example. Peers usually aren't interested in being told how to communicate better - so be careful about doing damage to your longterm relationships.
If you're going to give feedback - to anybody - remember the importance of the first step to giving feedback. Don't gloss over it - make sure they're really interested in receiving feedback from you.
I love your enthusiasm.
-Hugh
Effective Writing - thanks Gents
Open question to anyone interested:
What are you thoughts on using "feel, felt, found" to deliver peer feedback?
Effective Writing - thanks Gents
It's not feedback. It is, nonetheless, a great technique for handling conflict with your peers.
John