Welcome to crafting clear conclusions! You've learned to analyze problems, generate options, and weigh trade-offs. Now comes the crucial final step: communicating your decision clearly.

Engagement Message

Ever delivered a recommendation only to see confused faces staring back at you?

Most people bury their conclusions in long explanations. They start with background, discuss various options, then eventually reveal their recommendation at the end.

But busy decision-makers want the opposite: conclusion first, then supporting details.

Engagement Message

Think of your last presentation—did you lead with your conclusion?

Enter the BLUF format: Bottom Line Up Front. Military officers use this to communicate critical decisions under pressure.

BLUF means stating your conclusion in the very first sentence, then providing supporting reasons.

Engagement Message

What's appealing about getting the main point immediately?

The BLUF structure is simple: One clear sentence stating your decision, followed by 2-3 bullet points with your strongest supporting evidence.

"We should hire Sarah Chen for the marketing role. She has relevant experience, cultural fit, and available immediately."

Engagement Message

Can you spot the decision and the three supporting points?

Your bottom line sentence should be specific and actionable. Avoid vague statements like "We should consider various options" or "There are pros and cons."

Instead: "We should launch the premium product line in Q2" or "We should not acquire the competitor."

Engagement Message

What makes those examples more effective than vague statements?

Your supporting points should directly connect to your conclusion. Each bullet should answer "why" someone should accept your recommendation.

Use evidence from your earlier analysis—the root causes you found, the creative options you generated, the trade-offs you weighed.

Engagement Message

Can you write one concise bullet that supported a recent decision you made?

Type

Fill In The Blanks

Markdown With Blanks

Let's practice the BLUF format! Fill in the blanks to create a clear conclusion about choosing a new office location.

Bottom Line: We should [[blank:lease]] the downtown office space at Main Street.

Supporting Evidence: • Lower [[blank:rent]] than suburban alternatives
• Better [[blank:access]] to public transportation
• Closer to three major [[blank:clients]]

Suggested Answers

• lease
• rent
• access
• clients