written-communication
Frameworks and principles for clearer, more persuasive business writing drawn from 38 product leaders.
- Applies the pyramid principle: lead with your conclusion, then support it, rather than building up to an answer
- Emphasizes cutting preamble and unnecessary context to start at the point of highest relevance or tension
- Guides users to test clarity by ensuring someone unfamiliar with the topic could understand the core message
- Covers recurring mistakes: burying conclusions, over-relying on bullet fragments, assuming single communications suffice, and neglecting repetition across formats
Written Communication
Help the user communicate more effectively in writing using frameworks and insights from 38 product leaders.
How to Help
When the user asks for help with written communication:
- Clarify the purpose - Ask what action or outcome they want from readers
- Apply the pyramid principle - Guide them to lead with the conclusion, not build up to it
- Cut ruthlessly - Help them eliminate unnecessary context and get to the point faster
- Test for simplicity - Ensure someone unfamiliar with the topic could understand the core message
Core Principles
Focus on the how, not the what
Wes Kao: "Most writers spend too much time on the what and the why and not enough time on how. Most readers already agree with the general premise of what you're saying." Minimize context and justification; focus on specific steps, nuances, and examples.
Writing clarifies thinking
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