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. 

Messages 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.

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. Identify why your reader should care, WIIFM, "what's in it for me?"

3. List your supporting points. “What are the strongest points that support my purpose?” This is your summary. 

4. Provide sufficient evidence or details that support your claims. This is your “story.” 

5. Eliminate details that don’t support your claims, avoiding rabbit trails.