Basic 3: The Direct Approach & The Indirect Approach

Most often we communicate in the direct approach in the business arena.  We state our purpose and then elaborate.  You can think of it as a top-down approach with the most important information located first.  Important too, is to know that direct does not mean edgy or rude; it is not permission to be abrupt in tone.

For the Direct structure, start with the recommendation/solution and then offers the details in the body. Introduction:  first sentence is purpose/thesis statement.  It is not the customary academic style of 3-5 sentences with the last sentence being the thesis statement.

One Indirect approach, often referred to as the “sandwich,” is to locate the bad news or news the receiver is not going to like in the middle of the middle paragraph.  This is a quieter slower approach to communicating your purpose.  Keep the emotional tone in the neutral zone.