It happens to us all. We sit down to write but struggle to get out clear consecutive sentences. Or we hammer out a draft and somebody says, “I don’t know what you’re trying to say.”

This happens because we’ve given short shrift to the thinking that has to come first.

Every writer, especially in business, must articulate from the specific. And that takes thought.

So before you attack whatever you have to write, take time to answer these three questions:

What are the top three things you must convey?

Who are your readers? Consider not only how much they know about what you’re writing, but also how much time they’ll spend reading it.

What do you want your readers to do with this information? Hire you? Buy something Share something? Or say, “Now I understand.”

Sometimes it’s best to think away from your desk. So get up, get out, or get on the treadmill. My thoughts gel best when I’m out walking or peddling furiously on a spin bike.

When you can verbally articulate the answers—not just have them swirling in your head—you’re ready to write.