603 – 5 Tips for Better Emails
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In this episode of The How of Business, host Henry Lopez shares five actionable tips for writing more effective emails that drive faster responses, reduce misunderstandings, and improve business communication. He emphasizes that email is a critical tool in small business operations, yet is often poorly executed. The first tip is to 'don't bury the headline'—use the BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) method to state the purpose, request, and deadline immediately. Second, make emails scannable with bullet points, short paragraphs, white space, and strategic bolding. Third, practice 'less is more' by focusing on one objective per email and avoiding unnecessary details. Fourth, avoid texting-style shorthand and maintain a professional tone, especially in external communications. Fifth, craft clear subject lines with specific actions and deadlines, and include a direct ask. Lopez illustrates these principles with a before-and-after example of a cluttered, vague email rewritten using all five tips. He concludes by urging listeners to apply a quick pre-send checklist to ensure clarity, brevity, and actionability in every email.
Start every email with the main point, request, and deadline in the first sentence or subject line (BLUF method).
Structure emails for scanning using bullet points, short paragraphs, and white space.
One email, one purpose—avoid combining multiple topics to reduce confusion and increase response rates.
Write emails professionally, avoiding text-speak and ensuring proofreading to maintain credibility.
Use specific, action-oriented subject lines with deadlines to signal urgency and clarity.
Introduction to Email Communication in Business
Henry Lopez introduces the episode, emphasizing the critical role of email in small business communication and the common pitfalls of poorly written emails. He outlines the goal of the episode: to help listeners improve their email writing for faster responses and better outcomes.
Tip 1: Don't Bury the Headline (BLUF Method)
“The goal is that I say as a recipient, I get the point immediately. I can come back for details if I need to.”
Tip 2: Make It Scannable
“Your email should be understood in 10 seconds or less.”
Tip 3: Less Is More
“Clarity and focus beats being complete every time.”
Tip 4: Don't Write Emails Like Text Messages
This section focuses on maintaining professionalism in email tone. Lopez advises against acronyms, shorthand, and rushed writing—especially in external communications. He highlights the importance of proofreading, spell-checking, and verifying attachments.
“Clarity and focus beats being complete every time.”
“The goal is that I say as a recipient, I get the point immediately. I can come back for details if I need to.”
“Your email should be understood in 10 seconds or less.”
Host
Henry Lopez
person
The How of Business
media
Intuit QuickBooks Payroll
product
Outlook
product
BLUF
other
QuickBooks.com/workforce
product
Patreon
other
YouTube
other
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