Introduction
Email is a primary tool for client communication, yet most emails are too long, unclear about what's needed, or buried in unnecessary context. Clear, actionable emails get responses, drive decisions, and respect everyone's time.
Why This Skill Matters
Poor emails lead to confusion, delays, multiple back-and-forth clarifications, and important requests falling through cracks. Clear emails get read, understood, and acted upon—making you efficient and pleasant to work with.
Core Principles
- Subject line should tell the story - Include action needed
- Lead with the ask - What do you need?
- Be scannable - Bullets, short paragraphs, white space
- Be specific - Dates, times, clear requests
- One email, one topic (generally)
- Make action items obvious - Bold, separate section, clear deadline
Good Examples
Subject: "Need logo file by Thursday 10am for launch"
Body:
"Hi Sarah,
What I need: Your company logo in SVG format
Why: Finalizing the website header design
Deadline: Thursday, Oct 10 at 10am
How to send: Reply with file attached, or upload to shared drive [link]
Thanks! Let me know if any issues getting this by Thursday."
Why It Works
Clear subject, immediate ask, specific format/deadline, easy action path.
Bad Examples
Bad subject: "Quick question"
Bad body: [Three paragraphs of context, buried request, vague deadline "soon"]
Why It's Bad
Subject uninformative, requires reading everything to understand ask, unclear deadline, wastes time.
Tips
- Put action needed in subject line when possible
- Use "TLDR" or bold for key ask if context is needed
- Number multiple requests for easy reference
- Always include specific deadlines, not "soon" or "ASAP"
- Make it easy to say yes - provide links, templates, clear next steps
- Use formatting strategically - bold, bullets, headers
- End with clear next step
Connection to Other Skills
Applies proactive communication, setting expectations, following through, executive vs team communication (adjust detail level), and respecting time.
Action Items
- Review your last 5 sent emails - are asks clear and specific?
- Template common email types (status updates, requests, decisions needed)
- Practice leading with the ask, context second
- Before sending, ask: "Is it clear what I need and by when?"