RTFM should probably be the first item on this page.

I frequently want to cover multiple points in one message. They’re all related—it would be more trouble all around to send them as multiple messages. But I’ve found it’s a good practice to create numbered lists. This gets the recipient’s attention (“Oh, there are 4 things I need to look at”), makes it easier to respond to each, and makes it possible to refer to each point simply by its number in any follow-up.

If someone asks you a direct question, quote it back and give a direct response immediately after. Elaborate as needed, but the first word out of your fingertips should be the most direct response possible.

> Can you get this to me by Friday? No. Tuesday at the earliest. I am still waiting for a parts shipment, which won’t arrive until Monday.