Briefle words · Writing & copy
Bottom line up front
Also called BLUF
Opening with the conclusion, answer or request in the first sentence, then giving the reasons and details after it.
Say it to an AI
Email to my manager asking him to approve $1,440 for 6 design tool seats by Friday. Write it BLUF: the ask, amount and deadline in the subject line and first sentence, then two or three sentences of why. Keep the body under 110 words.
How an expert would brief the stronger version of “Budget approval email”.
See it
Try it as a puzzle →A design lead emails her busy manager to get a small purchase approved before a deadline.
Why: B's first sentence is the ask: 'Can you approve $1,440 for 6 more design tool seats by Friday?' A saves it for the last paragraph.
More ways experts use it
Team-chat post telling the launch team the iOS release moves from 3 June to 24 June. Bottom line up front with both dates, then the reason in one line, then what marketing and support should change. Close with a short, sincere acknowledgement of the extra hours, not a compliment sandwich.
Launch delay team announcement · Writing & copy
Related words
Room 1 · Essentials
Learn “Bottom line up front” in a five-minute lesson