Get to the point
By far the most annoying thing for readers is when you 'work your way into' your point.
You don't need to:
give them context before asking for what you want
explain how you got to your point before you state your point.
We want to do these things because that's how we got there – that's our thinking process.
A reader's thinking process is the opposite. So, to accommodate:
"Think one way; present another." – Pam Todd
Put your point:
in your subject line or title – or at least, vigorously hint at it!
straight after your greeting and human-connection bit – in an email
in the first sentence of your document or webpage.
Why this works for readers
You answer their first question first. The result? They feel like you respect their time and intelligence.
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