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BLUF (bottom line up front)[1] is the practice of beginning a message with its key information (the "bottom line"). This provides the reader with the most important information first.[2] By extension, that information is also called a BLUF. It differs from an abstract or executive summary in that it is simpler and more concise, similar to a thesis statement, and it resembles the inverted pyramid practice in journalism.
BLUF is a standard in U.S. military communication[3] whose aim is to make military messages precise and powerful.[4] It differs from an older, more-traditional style in which conclusions and recommendations are included at the end, following the arguments and considerations of facts. The BLUF concept is not exclusive to writing since it can also be used in conversations and interviews.[5]
- ^ "BLUF". Retrieved 17 May 2017 – via The Free Dictionary.
- ^ "How to Write Email with Military Precision". Harvard Business Review. 2016-11-22. ISSN 0017-8012. Retrieved 2021-03-09.
- ^ Army Regulation 25–50, "Preparing and Managing Correspondence," Chapter 1-IV, Effective Writing and Correspondence: The Army Writing Style, 1–36b, Standards for Army writing, page 6 (17 May 2013)
- ^ Asplund, Jan-Erik (2019-09-09). "BLUF: The Military Standard That Can Make Your Writing More Powerful". Animalz. Retrieved 2021-03-09.
- ^ "Leaders Inc. Interview Preparation Guide". leadersinc.com. Archived from the original on 2008-04-20. Retrieved 17 May 2017.