I love email. I love texting. I love all forms of written communication. However, our newest forms -- the emails, the texts, the Tweets, the updates -- do a horrific job at conveying emotion and intent. So, when a client emails, "Your schedule isn't a problem. We understand your need for work/life balance." I can read that as:
1. My schedule isn't a problem. They understand -- and respect -- my need for work/life balance.
or
2. Oh my god. I just lost this account. They're never going to send me work again.
It's just hard to say. Because in email, no one can hear you smile. Or laugh. Or wink. And the only way anyone will hear you scream is IF YOU USE ALL CAPS! And that's so not professional.
Given the challenge, ask yourself these five questions:
1. If you got that message from someone else, how would you feel? After you write the message, reread it from the audience's perspective.
2. Are you being snarky? Because email isn't the place. Seriously. Don't do it.
3. Have you started the message with "Hi, whoever" and ended it with "Thanks!" or something equally friendly and professional? It takes five seconds, max. Changes the entire tone of the message.
4. Did you hide the real message in the middle of the email? Get to the point. Politely, but quickly.
5. Should you be writing this at all? Some messages are best communicated over the phone or face-to-face. Consider the medium.
And I'll give you a sixth piece of advice as a bonus: If you really want to make a written impression, forget the email. The text. The Tweet. Put pen to paper and mail it. While you still can ...
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