BLUF: Bottom Line Up Front
Are your emails quietly sabotaging your energy and focus?
Most of us rely on email to communicate professionally. But the endless back-and-forth, the wordy messages, and the time it takes to read and reply add up, draining our energy and pulling our attention away from the work that matters.
We can’t control the emails we receive (unfortunately), but we can take back a bit of control by changing how we write the ones we send.
One way we can do this is by learning to BLUF.
What is BLUF?
BLUF stands for "bottom line up front”. It originated in the military, where clarity and efficiency are essential. The idea is simple: state your position, conclusion, or request at the start of your message—not buried at the end.
Why It Helps
BLUF gets straight to the point. Your reader doesn’t have to dig to determine what you need—it’s at the top. That makes your email precise, respectful of their time, and more likely to get a prompt response.
Why We Tend to BLAB Instead
Most of us have been taught to soften our requests. We worry about sounding blunt or abrupt, so we pad our emails with context, introductions, and polite phrases like “I hope this finds you well…”.
But BLUF doesn’t mean being rude. You can still be warm and polite—just put the most important part first. For example, you might end with:
“Thanks for your time and consideration. Best wishes…”
It’s about structure, not tone.
When Not to BLUF
BLUF works well in most professional communication, but not always. If you’re writing about something sensitive or emotional, leading with context and care is usually better before delivering the message.
Over to You
Try using BLUF in your next few emails. Writing might take a little longer, but it’ll save you and your reader time in the long run.
