Refers to the main point, core idea, or essential outline of something. Often used in phrases like 要領を得る (to get the point) or 要領がいい (to be quick on the uptake).
See also: 要領を得る
彼の説明は要領を得ていなかった。
His explanation didn't get to the point.
Please summarize the gist of this book.
Refers to the practical know-how, knack, or efficient way of doing something. Common in phrases like 要領がいい (to be efficient, to know the ropes) or 要領を得る (to get the hang of it).
He has a knack for work.
If you study efficiently, you can save time.
He's inefficient, so his work is always slow.
After practicing a few times, I got the hang of it.
The teacher explained the main points of the exam.
She knows the ropes of this job.
要領 means the gist or knack of doing something, while 要請 means a formal request or appeal, despite sharing the kanji 要.
government course guidelines; national curriculum standards