Begin with the decision
State the decision the note is meant to inform: entry into a research universe, a proposed portfolio role, or an implementation boundary.
Background belongs only when it changes that decision. A causal chain is more useful than a catalogue of sector vocabulary.
Tag the sentence type
Evidence sentences need sources and timestamps. Analytical sentences connect observations through assumptions. Recommendations specify an action and its conditions.
Temporarily tagging those types while drafting reveals where opinion is masquerading as evidence.
- Decision question
- Evidence and timestamp
- Assumptions connecting the evidence
- Review and action trigger
Surface disconfirming evidence
Name observations that would overturn the view. A generic risk paragraph cannot guide monitoring as well as a specific invalidation condition.
Material unknowns belong in the main line of the note. Hiding them in footnotes understates the research boundary.
Make the note updateable
Identify which inputs would change the conclusion, which are likely noise, and who owns the review.
The goal of compression is to shorten the distance between evidence, judgement, and action—not merely to remove words.