I used to think it was best to build the case for a specific action request. But in practice, it  would force the reader to guess what exactly I was asking them to do next. So I changed my ways  and started placing my requests for actions first – with the explanations or reasons for doing so AFTER the request.

And I follow the same format when replying.

Although it was awkward at first, I soon discovered that as I became more and more clear on what actions I was requesting, the words and the flow became natural and unforced.