Here is another valuable Management Tip of the Day from Harvard Business Review. To sign up for a free subscription to any/all HBR newsletters, please click here.

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With people being constantly bombarded with requests, it can be tough to get your colleagues’ attention. That’s why it’s important to cut to the chase about what you need someone to do, when, and why. Whether you’re sending an email, making a presentation, or talking to your boss:

o Start with what you want. Provide the most important information up front and ask for what you need. “John, I need your advice about the product launch.“

o Set the scene. Provide just enough context so the audience can follow along. “To refresh your memory, the event we have planned is…”

o Explain the reason. What prompted you to deliver the message? “We need to figure out how to motivate the vendor to meet marketing’s deadline.”

o Connect to the big picture. Why should your audience care? “This is a critical step toward meeting our unit’s goal of 65% customer retention.”

Adapted from “How to Get Your Colleagues’ Attention” by Amy Gallo.

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Also, you may wish to check out an anthology, Management Tips from Harvard Business Review, by clicking here.