curiositech/email-composer

Email Composer

Quick start

Provide context and purpose, and I'll draft an appropriate email using structured decision-making to match tone, length, and formality to your recipient and situation.

Decision Points

1. Recipient Analysis → Email Structure

IF recipient is C-level/executive:
  └── Use bullet points, <150 words, subject = "Action Required:" + specific ask
  └── Structure: Context (1 sentence) → Ask → Timeline → Next steps

IF recipient is peer/colleague:
  └── Use conversational tone, 150-250 words, subject = descriptive + purpose
  └── Structure: Greeting → Context → Details → Clear CTA → Thank you

IF recipient is external customer:
  └── Use formal language, 200-300 words, subject = specific issue/order reference
  └── Structure: Acknowledgment → Problem statement → Solution → Follow-up

IF recipient is team/group:
  └── Use structured format, numbered lists, subject = "Update:" + topic
  └── Structure: Summary → Details with headers → Action items → Timeline

2. Email Purpose → Content Strategy

IF purpose = urgent request:
  └── Lead with deadline, use [URGENT] tag, bold key dates
  └── Maximum 3 sentences before the ask

IF purpose = status update:
  └── Use "What/So What/Now What" structure
  └── Include metrics, next milestones, blockers

IF purpose = problem resolution:
  └── Acknowledge → Explain → Apologize (if needed) → Fix → Prevent
  └── Lead with resolution timeline

IF purpose = information sharing:
  └── Use inverted pyramid: key info first, supporting details after
  └── Include "Why this matters" section

3. Response Timeline → Urgency Indicators

IF need response today:
  └── Subject: [ACTION REQUIRED] + specific task + deadline
  └── First line: "I need X by Y time because Z"

IF need response this week:
  └── Subject: Clear ask + "by [date]"
  └── Include specific deadline in closing

IF FYI/no response needed:
  └── Subject: "[FYI]" or "Update:" prefix
  └── State "No response needed" in opening

Failure Modes

1. Buried Ask Pattern

Symptom: Recipient doesn't respond or asks "What do you need?" Root Cause: Request hidden in paragraph 3+ or implied rather than explicit Fix:

• Put specific ask in first 2 sentences
• Use "I need..." or "Can you..." language
• Bold or bullet the request

2. Wrong Formality Mismatch

Symptom: Response feels cold/distant or inappropriately casual Root Cause: Tone doesn't match recipient relationship or company culture Fix:

• C-suite = formal, direct, minimal pleasantries
• Peers = professional friendly, moderate context
• Customers = empathetic formal, comprehensive explanations

3. Context Overload

Symptom: No response, or "Can you summarize?" reply Root Cause: Too much background before getting to the point Fix:

• Use "Bottom Line Up Front" (BLUF) structure
• Move context to end or attachment
• Lead with the decision/ask needed

4. Vague Subject Death

Symptom: Email gets lost in inbox, delayed responses Root Cause: Subject like "Question" or "Following up" gives no priority signal Fix:

• Include specific action: "Review needed: Q4 budget by Friday"
• Add urgency indicator: [ACTION REQUIRED] or [FYI]
• Reference relevant project/ticket numbers

5. CTA Ambiguity

Symptom: Recipient responds with questions about what they should do Root Cause: Multiple possible actions or unclear next steps Fix:

• End with single, specific request
• Include deadline and method (reply email, schedule meeting, etc.)
• Use "Please confirm by replying" for acknowledgment needs

Worked Examples

Example: Executive Update Request

Scenario: Need project status for board meeting from busy VP

Decision Process:

• Recipient = C-level → bullet format, <150 words, direct ask
• Purpose = urgent request → lead with deadline
• Timeline = need today → [ACTION REQUIRED] subject

Draft:

Subject: [ACTION REQUIRED] Project Alpha status for board deck by 3pm

Hi Sarah,

I need Project Alpha's current status for tomorrow's board presentation.

Specifically need:
• % complete vs. timeline
• Any blockers requiring board attention  
• Budget variance (if >5%)

Please send by 3pm today so I can incorporate into the deck.

Thanks,
Alex

What novice would miss: Would write long context paragraph about board meeting importance, bury the ask in paragraph 2, use vague subject like "Board Meeting Question"

What expert catches: Leads with deadline, uses bullets for scannability, specifies exact information needed, gives reason for timing

Quality Gates

• [ ] Subject line includes specific action or clear topic (not "Question" or "Update")
• [ ] Primary request appears in first 50 words of email body
• [ ] Tone matches recipient seniority (formal for executives, conversational for peers)
• [ ] Email length appropriate: <150 words for executives, <300 words for detailed requests
• [ ] Clear call-to-action with specific deadline or response expectation
• [ ] No more than 3 main points or requests per email
• [ ] Context provided without overwhelming the core message
• [ ] Professional greeting and closing appropriate for relationship
• [ ] Proofread for typos and formatting consistency
• [ ] All mentioned attachments actually attached

Not-For Boundaries

Don't use email-composer for:

• Legal communications → Use [legal-writing] for compliance language
• Marketing copy → Use [copywriting] for persuasive sales content
• Technical documentation → Use [technical-writing] for specifications
• Performance reviews → Use [feedback-delivery] for sensitive personnel topics
• Crisis communications → Use [crisis-communication] for incident response
• Contract negotiations → Use [contract-analysis] for terms and conditions

Delegate when:

• Message involves conflict resolution → Use [conflict-mediation]
• Requires data analysis presentation → Use [data-visualization]
• Needs multiple stakeholder coordination → Use [project-management]