Structure – Key message first

In this information rich world, you are overloaded with data and written communication and so probably do not read everything you receive – which makes you very similar to everyone else. You may read just the first few lines or skim read for the important facts. It is very easy to overlook an important detail when it is buried in the text.

Make your key messages obvious to your reader by putting key information first!

You use this principle when you:

  • Use informative titles
  • Give an executive summary
  • Tell the reader the key topic in the first sentence
  • Ask for what you want in the first line
  • Use headlines to highlight key information

Whenever you read or hear new information, your brain checks to see if you know anything about that topic already; relating the new information to what you know enables you to receive, interpret and understand
new information more effectively. So by giving key information first, you allow your readers to tune in more quickly to your message.