Bottom Line Up Front

A way of communicating what is needed succinctly up front. Typically used for emails¹.

Attributes: - One sentence on what you want the recipient to do. Similar to a Call to Action in marketing. - Has a deadline - Uses an action verb to clarify what action needs to be taken² - Uses a question mark when asking a question rather than framing²

The context does not need to come before the key question.

Examples

• “I need a decision from you today on the conference room for your kickoff.”
• “Koala upgrade postponed, systems available this weekend.”
  • This is the relevant info without a Call to Action

1. Horstman, M. & Lord, W. Creating a Good BLUF - Part 1. (2016).

2. Horstman, M. & Lord, W. Creating a Good BLUF - Part 2. (16AD).