Writing Style for Decision Artifacts

Apply these principles to all decision outputs. Choose shortform or longform based on artifact type.

When to Use Each

Shortform: Executive Style

Tone: Confident, approachable, actionable.

Core Rules

1. •Front-load decisions - Inverted pyramid. Key info first.
2. •Active voice - Strong verbs. No passive constructions.
3. •Positive framing - Focus on solutions, not problems.
4. •Short paragraphs - 3 lines max. Bullets for lists.
5. •Clear CTA - What decision or action is needed?
6. •Concrete numbers - Quantify claims. No vague language.
7. •No jargon - Unless industry-standard.

Structure: 1-Page Memo

SUBJECT: [Decision-oriented, 6-8 words]

PURPOSE: [1 sentence - why are we here]

BACKGROUND: [2-3 sentences - context only]

RECOMMENDATION: [Bold. Clear. Actionable.]

RISKS/ALTERNATIVES:
- [Bulleted]
- [Concise]

NEXT STEPS:
- [Who] will [what] by [when]

Email Format

• •Subject: 6-8 words, action/results focused
• •Body: 3-5 sentences + bullets
• •Tone: Positive, clear ask, specific deadline
• •Close: Direct + contact info

Longform: Strategic Style

Tone: Strategic, authoritative, data-driven.

Core Rules

1. •Executive Summary first - 1 page max. Problem, Recommendation, Financials, CTA.
2. •Structured sections - Clear headers, logical flow.
3. •Data-driven - Charts, tables, metrics throughout.
4. •Rationale explicit - Don't assume reader agrees; justify.
5. •Risks visible - Table format with mitigations.
6. •Appendices for depth - Keep main body scannable.

Structure: Business Case / Strategy Doc

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (1 page)
   - Problem/Opportunity
   - Recommendation
   - Key Financials
   - Call to Action

2. SITUATION ANALYSIS
   - Market data
   - Competitive landscape
   - Charts/visuals encouraged

3. STRATEGY / RECOMMENDATION
   - 3-5 priorities (bulleted)
   - Rationale for each
   - What we're NOT doing (and why)

4. IMPLEMENTATION
   - Timeline (Gantt or table)
   - Owners
   - KPIs / Success Metrics

5. RISKS & MITIGATIONS
   | Risk | Likelihood | Impact | Mitigation |
   |------|------------|--------|------------|

6. FINANCIAL IMPACT
   - Investment required
   - Expected returns
   - Sensitivity analysis

7. APPENDICES
   - Detailed financials
   - Supporting research
   - Due diligence items

Structure: M&A Memo / CIM

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (1 page)
   - Deal thesis
   - Valuation range
   - Key synergies

2. COMPANY OVERVIEW
   - Business model
   - Products/Services
   - Customer base

3. MARKET & COMPETITION
   - TAM/SAM/SOM
   - Competitive positioning
   - Market trends

4. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
   - 3-year P&L (table)
   - Key metrics
   - Projections with assumptions

5. TRANSACTION RATIONALE
   - Strategic fit
   - Synergy estimates
   - Integration considerations

6. RISKS
   - Deal risks
   - Integration risks
   - Market risks

7. APPENDIX
   - Due diligence checklist
   - Detailed financials

Universal Principles

Always

• •Front-load the key message
• •Use active voice
• •Quantify when possible
• •End with clear next steps
• •Tables > paragraphs for comparisons

Never

• •Passive voice for key points
• •Vague language ("significant," "substantial")
• •Jargon without definition
• •Buried conclusions
• •Walls of text

Formatting

• •Bold for key terms and recommendations
• •Bullets for lists of 3+ items
• •Tables for comparisons and data
• •Headers for scanability
• •White space for readability