Many drafts feel “almost right” because they are trying to serve too many readers at once. Choose the primary reader first. You can make a second version later.
Ask three questions before you edit
What does this reader already know?
What do they need to understand or decide?
What should they do after reading?
These questions change the edit. If the reader already knows the background, move the decision to the top. If they are new to the subject, define the important term before using it. If they need to act, make the next step visible.
Choose the tone that helps the reader trust you
Tone is not a personality costume. It is the distance between you and the reader. Clear, direct, warm, formal, and reassuring are useful choices when they serve the situation.
Make one version do one job
A reader-first draft is not less intelligent. It is more considerate. It removes the work your reader should not have to do so they can spend their attention on the part that matters.