Start with the decision your reader needs to make. A useful update explains where the work stands, what changed, and where help is needed. Include overall health, progress against milestones, work completed, next steps, and the most important risks or issues. Give each action an owner and a due date. Separate facts from forecasts. If a date moved, state the previous date, the new forecast, and the reason. If scope changed, record the decision. End with specific requests. “Need support” is hard to act on. “Sponsor to choose option A or B by Friday” gives the reader a clear next step.