Email: a lazy and dangerous choice

Email is wonderfully convenient, but at what cost? In this very short piece (he loves to make a point), Communication Coach Jon Torrens tells you how to use it properly.

Jon writes:

Hi Reader,

Here are a few pointers for an effective email:

  1. Get to the point.
  2. Keep it simple.
  3. Keep it short.

Regards,

Jon.

P.S. That introductory line had better sum up the point of the email. The more vague you are, the more likely your reader is to skim the email or skip it entirely. Email fail.

P.P. S. Don’t include lots of unimportant information, or use flowery language or jargon. You’re impressing no-one and frustrating everyone.

P.P.P.S. Long emails are counter-productive for you and soul-destroying for them. The more time you spend increasing the size of an email, the more time you’ve wasted.

Conclusion

An email can sacrifice effectiveness for convenience. For important messages, use verbal communication instead: go and speak to them in person, or give a group talk, or have a phone call. The improvement in communication (social cues, interaction, lack of ambiguity) will far outweigh the extra effort.

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