The Problem: "I'm just reaching out to..." "I wanted to follow up on..." "I was wondering if..." ​ The Debt: These phrases are apologies for existing. They waste the reader's time and signal a lack of authority. ​ The Solution (The Strike): Delete the lead-in. Start at the verb. ​Noise: "I'm just reaching out to see if the contract is signed." ​Signal: "Is the contract signed?" ​ Noise: "I wanted to follow up on our meeting from Tuesday." ​Signal: "The Tuesday meeting requires the following actions:" ​ The Rule: Audit your sent folder today. Count the "Cushions." Subtract them tomorrow.