: Re: Formating of table explanation in email to colleagues Regularly I find myself writing emails to my colleagues which include some form of "column explanation". Which is the best way to

@Sent2472441

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A few suggestions.

For starters, I'd put the deadline in the email subject as well (and keep it in the email body too),
e.g.

Monthly report summary - DEADLINE: 3 March 2018

I'd try to edit the table so that column titles are clearer to the user. If that is not possible, I'd try to to have an explanation of the column titles in the spreadsheet as well. For instance, I have seen many instances of excel files having one additional spreadsheet with such information.
The formatting you proposed should work. Make sure that the link between column numbering and information needed is very clear. Bold face is a good way to remind the reader of the important information.
When and if you collapse multiple columns together in the explanation, make sure that the reader can quickly understand that they can skip reading that line. They probably will anyway, just try to make sure that they know when they should not.

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