We send and receive dozens of e-mails and have tens of conversations daily. More often than not one needs to read an e-mail thoroughly several times before understanding the actions needed or despite carefully listening the ramble of someone misses the point of the conversation.

“43% of people who received long-winded emails deleted or ignored them.”

Be more effective in your communication by following the BRIEF rule.

Fast Company have created the following formula for better communicating your information and/or needs:

B (Background): Provide a quick context—what happened beforehand?

R (Reason): Explain why you’re contacting them now— why should they engage?

I (Information): Give two to three pieces of information. What are the three main points or bullets of the topic?

E (End): Decide what do you want to be remembered. Tell the next steps – you will do what OR you expect the other site to do what.

F (Follow-up): Try to predict the questions asked at the end of conversation or (as a reply to the message) and prepare answers in advance.

Read why less is more HERE.