In the Writing Skills class that Karl Krayer leads, he teaches that you should write your point right up front.  Put your key message, in a clear, understandable, short sentence, at the very beginning of your e-mail/memo.

In my speech and presentation skill training, I teach that you should state your thesis in a clear, short, to-the-point sentence, just after your ”hook” that draws your audience in.

So, get to the point quickly.  That’s the message.

Now here’s something to add to this counsel.  I recently read a short piece of advice from Karen Finerman, author of Finerman’s Rules:  Secrets I’d Only Tell My Daughters About Business and Life.  The question she is asking/answering is:  “How can women better sell their ideas?”  Here’s her advice:’

Lead with the good stuff.  Tell me what you could do right.  Go in strong.  Sell the positive.  And then close the deal by having all the details to support your case.

So…  get to the point.  And be sure to lead with the good stuff.  This is your communication/persuasion/sales tip of the day.