What’s Up with No Greetings?

July 30, 2009 by Judith

Without a nice greeting (Hello, Hi, G’Day, Hey) at the beginning of your e-mail, more times than not your content will be perceived as demanding or terse. When you call someone on the phone, you don’t just start talking without a greeting. In off-line letters you do the same. Why is it then that in e-mail so many feel this little courtesy doesn’t apply?

Too many think general writing rules and skills do not come into play with e-mail. It’s an informal communication tool, yes, but that doesn’t negate the need for courtesy. Nor does it mean that you skip the steps necessary to you being perceived as someone who is a pleasure to communicate with.

Without a greeting:

I want you to follow-up on our conversation at the Chamber meeting and make sure that everyone noted received their copy. John

With a greeting:

Hello, Jane:

I want you to follow-up on our conversation at the Chamber meeting and make sure that everyone noted received their copy. Thank you!

John

See what a big difference a little greeting makes? Of course, the added “Thank You!” is always a nice touch when asking for someone to do something on your behalf.

Over time, if you refuse to use a greeting, you end up having the other side cringe when they see your name in their inbox wondering what bossy request you may have next. This perception can easily be avoided by simply taking the time to add a little: “Hello,”.

No related posts.

Comments

2 Responses to “What’s Up with No Greetings?”

lois reis on December 27th, 2009 3:57 pm

Hi!
Contained in a recent e-mail from a relative, he referred to members of our generation as; we older folks. In my return e-mail, I want to enlarge the fonts that pertain to “we older folks” I’m razzing him in good jest,re;age, Is this considered impolite? I’m new at using a computer. Note: I found your website by mistake. However, I found it interesting and learned from it. Sincerely, l.reis
Judith on December 28th, 2009 2:16 pm

Hey, Lois:

Thanks for stopping by and glad to hear you learned some things by reviewing my site!

In the situation you mention, I would just put “we older folk”s in quotes as you noted in your comments. When you change words to a larger font, folks will naturally presume you are raising your voice. And, being you are doing this in jest, we don’t want to risk your tone being perceived incorrectly.

It is always best to communicate by choosing your words carefully and subtle indications, like using quotes as above, to make our points in lieu of formatting where you leave the level of emphasis and the perception of your intent up to the other side. Why take that risk when it can easily be avoided? ;-)