Slack message clarity checklist for busy teams

Most Slack noise comes from long intros, missing context, and no clear ask. Use this quick checklist before you hit send.

10-second clarity checklist

• Lead with the BLUF: Start with the Bottom Line Up Front in one sentence.
• Name the channel audience: Say who it’s for (e.g., Eng leads, Design, @owner).
• Add one link, max: Point to the doc/issue; avoid screenshots unless it’s visual QA.
• State the ask: Decision, review, approve, or FYI only. Use one verb.
• Give a deadline: Include timezone and a default (e.g., “If no objections by 5 PM PT, I’ll ship.”).
• Keep nouns stable: Use consistent project names and acronyms so search works later.
• Cap paragraphs at 3 lines: Break up long thoughts into bullets or numbered steps.
• Flag uncertainty: Use Assumption: so readers know where to push back.

Copy-paste template

BLUF: <one sentence outcome or decision needed>
Audience: <who should read or act>
Context: <1–2 bullets with facts/links>
Ask: <approve / decide / review / FYI> by <time, timezone>. Default if silent: <what you'll do>.
Link: <doc or issue>

Examples you can drop into /shortr

Shipping note:
BLUF: Rolling billing retries to 50% today; need a quick safety check.
Audience: SRE on-call.
Context: Error budget impact estimated at +2%. Dash: .
Ask: Approve by 3 PM PT. Default if silent: proceed.
Link: .

Policy change:
BLUF: Switching weekly release window to Wed 10 AM PT starting next sprint.
Audience: Eng managers + QA.
Context: Reduces Friday rollbacks; aligns with on-call rotation.
Ask: Objections by Tue 5 PM PT. Default: pilot for 2 sprints, then revisit.
Link: .

Common mistakes to avoid

• Asking for “thoughts?” without a time-box or default.
• Pasting screenshots of logs instead of a link to the query.
• Hiding the actual request at the end of a long paragraph.
• Mentioning everyone with @channel when one owner is enough.

Make it effortless with Shortr

Paste your rough draft into /shortr with the template above. Shortr trims filler, tightens the BLUF, and keeps your key nouns intact so the ask is crystal clear. The coaching tip will call out where you buried the lede or forgot a deadline.