writing-style

What this skill does

# Writing Style for Decision Artifacts

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

## When to Use Each

| Artifact | Style | Typical Length |
|----------|-------|----------------|
| Executive Summary | Shortform | 1 page / 250 words |
| Email/Memo | Shortform | 3-5 sentences |
| Business Case | Longform | 10-20 pages |
| M&A Memo/CIM | Longform | 20-30 pages |
| Full Decision Artifact | Longform | 5-15 pages |
| Counter-Case | Shortform | 2-3 pages |

---

## 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