Text guides
Everyday writing
Find the words for a specific reader, whether you are asking for help or explaining a change.
- Write an apology with a concrete next stepAn apology that ends on feelings leaves the other person to work out the resolution.
- Ask for an introduction without putting someone on the spotA good introduction request gives your contact enough to decide whether the connection makes sense.
- Organize a complaint into facts and a requestA complaint letter works when it keeps what happened separate from how you feel about it.
- Decline an invitation without a long excuseA short, warm decline is harder to write than it sounds.
- Explain a change of plan clearlyWhen a plan changes, the other person has to work out what it means for them.
- Rewrite an announcement in plain languageMany announcements explain the decision before telling people what changes for them.
- Write a follow-up that says what you needA follow-up works when it reminds the other person of the original ask and gives a concrete deadline.
- Shorten an email without dropping the requestLong emails often bury the request under background the reader doesn't need.
- Write a thank-you note with a real detailGeneric thank-you notes blur together.
- Ask someone for a recommendationA well-framed request makes it easier for someone to write a strong recommendation and easier to decline if they can't.