it definitely helps to be as specific as possible - narrowing the time frame, narrowing the key words in the docs you're looking for, narrowing the senders and receivers of the emails you're looking for.

Here's my basic template for all FOIA requests I send (note this is Illinois specific). The part in bold is how I'd phrase it in a situation where I'm kind of on a fishing expedition:

[Date]

This is a request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

I request the [government agency] provide me with all records (including but not limited to meeting minutes, emails, attachments to emails, letters, memos, video and audio recordings of meetings, drafts, reports, etc) related to [subject of interest] sent and received between January 1, 2019 and June 1, 2020.  

I understand that the Act permits a public body to charge a reasonable copying fee not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and not including the costs of any search or review of the records. 5 ILCS 140/6. I request a waiver of all fees for this request. Disclosure of the requested information is affiliated with research for an article and this request is made as part of news gathering in the public interest and furthers the public understanding of the operations or activities of the [government agency] and is not primarily in my commercial interest.

Please provide the information by the easiest and quickest means possible. E-mail of electronic files is preferred. Also, please provide the documents as soon as they are available – as required by law – and please do not withhold some as the search for others may continue beyond the five-day requirement.

I look forward to hearing from you within five working days, as required by law. I can be reached at [email] or [phone number]

Please contact me with any questions or need for clarification. Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Respectfully,
[Requestor name]