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Use the BLUF approach to organize your reflections

posted Mar 10, 2017, 10:29 AM by Cindy Raisor   [ updated Mar 16, 2017, 8:08 AM ]

The BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) approach uses a clear topic sentence, also known as an umbrella statement, up front. An umbrella statement includes a clear purpose statement and a summary of the points that support it. 

Reflections organized around a BLUF will have more impact than ones that rely on a narrative to organize your points because most readers are more interested in the information you learned or the skill you acquired, i.e., the ‘big idea,’ than the story behind it.

Image source:  Laura Foley. "The BLUF Statement: Your Secret PowerPoint Weapon."  Posted 3 June 2015.
Following these steps will help you identify your BLUF. 
  1. Start with "what" and “why.” Ask yourself, "What is the ‘big idea’ I am trying to convey with the details I have written in my draft” AND “Why is this ‘big idea important?” This is your purpose statement. 
  2. List your supporting points. “What are the strongest points that support my purpose?” This is your summary. 
  3. Provide sufficient evidence or details that support your claims. This is your “story.” 
  4. Eliminate details that don’t support your claims, avoiding rabbit trails.