diff --git a/lms/static/sass/shared/_modal.scss b/lms/static/sass/shared/_modal.scss
index 7a51213dee..9777c582da 100644
--- a/lms/static/sass/shared/_modal.scss
+++ b/lms/static/sass/shared/_modal.scss
@@ -300,8 +300,29 @@
       }
     }
   }
+
+  #help_wrapper {
+    padding: 0 ($baseline*1.5) ($baseline*1.5) ($baseline*1.5);
+
+    header {
+      margin-bottom: $baseline;
+      padding-right: 0;
+      padding-left: 0;
+    }
+
+
+  }
+
+  .tip {
+    font-size: 12px;
+    display: block;
+    color: $dark-gray;
+  }
+
+
 }
 
 .leanModal_box {
   @extend .modal;
 }
+
diff --git a/lms/templates/help_modal.html b/lms/templates/help_modal.html
index 35963075e6..a906266103 100644
--- a/lms/templates/help_modal.html
+++ b/lms/templates/help_modal.html
@@ -21,17 +21,13 @@
 discussion_link = get_discussion_link(course) if course else None
 %>
 
-% if discussion_link:
-    <p>If you have a question, problem, or suggestion specific to this course (regarding the
-       lectures, homework, tools, or other materials), please post it on the
+    <p>For <strong>questions on course lectures, homework, tools, or materials for this course</strong>, post in the
        <a href="${discussion_link}" target="_blank"/>course discussion forum</a>.
     </p>
-% endif
-    <p>If you have a general question regarding edX or use of the site, please check the
-       <a href="/help" target="_blank">FAQ</a>!</p>
+    <p>Have <strong>general questions about edX</strong>? You can find lots of helpful information in the edX
+       <a href="/help" target="_blank">FAQ</a>.</p>
 
-    <p>If you would like to contact the edX general support team directly, please use one of
-       the buttons below:</p>
+    <p>Have a <strong>question about something specific</strong>? You can contact the edX general support team directly:</p>
     <hr>
 
     <div class="help-buttons">
@@ -59,10 +55,10 @@ discussion_link = get_discussion_link(course) if course else None
       <label data-field="email">E-mail*</label>
       <input name="email" type="text">
 % endif
-      <label data-field="subject">Brief description of the problem*</label>
+      <label data-field="subject">Briefly describe your issue*</label>
       <input name="subject" type="text">
-      <label data-field="details">Details of the problem you are encountering.
-      Please include any error messages, steps which led to the issue, etc.*</label>
+      <label data-field="details">Let us know some details*
+<span class="tip">include error messages, steps which lead to the issue, etc</span></label>
       <textarea name="details"></textarea>
       <input name="tag" type="hidden">
       <div class="submit">