Lewis’ Note: The Rule of Three example is often referred to as the Dear Sally example, but it is actually the Dear Shirley example. Dear Sally typically refers to a mathematical mnemonic.
As a manager, you know how important communication skills are. It can be frustrating when your employees struggle with effective business communication.
The Dear Shirley Method to Better Writing
If you need a single example to demonstrate effective business writing, the Dear Shirley method (see image above) is an excellent illustration. Here are some reasons why the "After" is so effective:
Uses bullets for easy scanning and digestion
Uses plain English and avoids excessive adjectives, adverbs, and clauses
Starts with the main statement and follows with supporting reasons
Criticism of the Dear Shirley Method
Some critics of the Dear Shirley method argue that the "After" lacks:
Emotion
Detail
Accuracy
These criticisms are valid, and the "After" can be revised to address them, particularly the concern about accuracy.
Despite its flaws, the Dear Shirley method has a clear purpose: to communicate a point in less than three seconds when time is short.
If you need to convey a message quickly and clearly, the Dear Shirley method is an effective way to do it.
