Lead with the decision.

Before deciding what to say, decide what the listener needs to do.

Are they approving an investment, choosing a direction, resolving a risk or simply understanding a change? That question gives the message a purpose. It also makes editing easier: each detail should help the listener understand the recommendation, assess it or act on it.

A useful structure is straightforward. State the recommendation. Explain the commercial implication. Offer the strongest evidence. Finish with the decision or next step required.

For example, in a hypothetical campaign review: “The campaign is behind plan. Reallocating part of the remaining budget could improve delivery, provided the revised inventory meets our audience requirements. Approval today would give the team time to make the change.”

The supporting analysis still matters. Keep it ready for questions, with the assumptions and uncertainties clearly identified.

Concision requires judgement. Some situations need more context, particularly when the decision is unfamiliar or the consequences are significant. The aim is to make the necessary detail easy to follow.