How can I write so that readers better understand my point, and understand it more quickly?
What does "Bottom Line Up Front" mean?
Ineffective writing often doesn't quickly transmit a focused point. Too much introduction and too many words get in the reader's way. This makes it harder for him or her to understand what you're trying to say.
To combat this, use the "BLUF" method -- Bottom Line Up Front. Start with your main point, and make sure each paragraph in your document relates to that point in some way. If a paragraph doesn't relate, you should probably delete it.
Just as your document needs a main point, so does each paragraph. Keep each paragraph tightly focused around one idea. When you shift to another idea, start a new paragraph.
It also helps to keep your paragraphs reasonably short -- about seven to 10 lines at the most. Longer paragraphs tend to lose readers in a sea of type.
