I know email may drive some people crazy, but it’s not going away. We spend a lot of time using email as our primary communication tool, so let’s see if we can use it more effectively.
1) I NEED TO KEEP MY MESSAGES SHORT. People are getting more messages and they have less time. I need to get right to the main point and cut out extra “chatter”. If the person I am talking with needs more information, they can ask.
2) I NEED TO USE MY SUBJECT LINE BETTER. Most people only see the subject line, so perhaps I should ask a question there instead of saying “hi”. I can use the subject line to give the recipient an idea of what the email contains and a good reason to open it.
3) I NEED TO BE FRIENDLY IN EVERY EMAIL. Just because my email is short, I don’t have to be rude. I don’t want to just give orders. Emails are a good way to encourage, offer praise or say thanks.
The ability to write a short email is a skill in itself. David Belasco says, “If you can’t write your idea on the back of my calling card, you don’t have a clear idea.”
Writing short emails shows confidence in what you have to say.
Ron Cline/2014