Effective executive communication requires being brief. Brevity saves time. It increases the likelihood your message will be received. It requires you to choose what is absolutely necessary.

Bottom line up front (BLUF). Lead with the most important statement or conclusion. Do not bury the lead. Don't assume you must get paragraphs of preamble out of the way first. Consider BLUF like a newspaper headline.

The power of one comes in many forms of executive communication.

Answer a yes or no question with one word. If you are asked whether you can do something, say yes. Figure out how to make it happen. Do not equivocate. “What is the status of that project?" “Green".

If you are asked a question that requires more than a yes or no, answer with one sentence. You need to say more than one word, so try and only say one sentence. Work to avoid stringing sentence after sentence together with diminishing returns. Use BLUF and give the headline response.

If you must send an e-mail with more than one sentence, use one paragraph. You can continue to use BLUF and get the headline out first. If you must say more aim for one paragraph.

When you are asked for a more complex recommendation that requires options, criteria, and comparison you will need more than one paragraph. Work to get the elements on one page to succinctly communicate all the factors involved in your recommendation. Keep your recommendation at the top (do not bury the lead).

The power of brief and direct communication cannot be understated. If you cannot use one word, use one sentence. If you cannot use one sentence, use one paragraph. If you cannot use one paragraph, use one page. Let your boss ask questions if she wants more details.