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