EMAIL: IT CAN BE A PROBLEM-SOLVER, OR A CREATOR?
How you write effects how you are perceived.
THE NEXT GENERATION:My teenage daughter asked the other day: “Would it be passive/agressive to anonymously send someone the Email Etiquette class book?” I told her that would be bad form. But for someone her age to notice a problem is just indicative of the need for all of us to up our email game!
Where is your level of email etiquette?
Email is a powerful, business-enhancing medium. Like most communication, its purpose is threefold:
- to solve problems,
- to provide information, or
- to persuade others to act.
When it comes to email etiquette:
- Always prepare before writing (like anything!).
- Remember, potentially troublesome areas in writing include: emotions, gestures, jokes, sarcasm, and vocal inflection. Tread lightly. Your perception may differ from your recipient’s.
- Consider the audience in relation to using IM or TXT language (u no?).
- Keep written communication short and sweet—have mercy on the readers!
- Prevent the “Reply To All” problem. Use BCC when mailing to a large/diverse group (to protect people’s information). Use CC sparingly.
- TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS YELLING!
- Proofread you’re werk to bee sure u havnty mad any mistakes. (Yes, that was intentional.)
For further reference, check out these email etiquette tips from Business Insider >>
If you’re looking for ways to improve your or your organization’s communication skills, look into one (or more) of the training services provided by Improving Communications.
Rich Atkins, Ed.D. is the Managing Director of Improving Communications, a NY-based firm that offers public and private classes to develop Writing, Speaking/Presentations, Customer Service, Leadership, Sales & Negotiation, and Human Resources. Visit www.improvingcommunications.com or call 516.317.2900.
