Lesson Content

Most writing problems are structure problems.

A document that does not flow, is hard to follow, or does not persuade is rarely fixed by better sentences â€" it needs better structure. Starting to write before the structure is clear wastes content effort on material that will need to be reorganized.

The architecture-first workflow â€" three questions.

1. Who is the reader, and what do they know, want, and need from this document?
2. What is the single most important thing I want the reader to take away?
3. What is the path from where the reader starts (their current knowledge and concern) to where I need them to end (my key conclusion)?

Build a structure that answers these three questions â€" before writing a sentence of content.

Using ChatGPT to develop and test architecture.

"I need to write [document type] for [audience]. The purpose is [goal]. The key conclusion I need them to reach is [conclusion]. Design three possible structures. For each, explain what the reader's experience would be. Identify which structure is most likely to succeed for this audience and purpose â€" and why."

Then test your chosen structure:

"Here is my proposed document structure: [outline]. My audience is [description]. Please read this as a skeptical member of my target audience. What would cause confusion? What is missing? Does the structure earn the key conclusion?"

ChatGPT file upload for architecture review.

ChatGPT Plus users can upload an existing draft and ask for architectural feedback: "Please analyze the structure of this document. Does it serve the stated audience and purpose? Are the most important points in the most prominent positions?"

When architecture-first is overkill.

For short emails, quick updates, and simple responses â€" architecture-first is unnecessary overhead. Reserve the process for documents over 500 words and anything requiring persuasion.