A site visitor writes: I actually just wanted to make a suggestion for the folks who use caps lock because they are unwilling to use the shift key: just leave your whole message in lowercase. It may look a little "casual," but most people will still prefer it over all caps. Just a … [Read more...]
Changing Text Color in Replies
Does anyone you communicate with change the text of their reply to a different color? If so, have you wondered why, or maybe wanted to do the same but weren't sure if that was a good idea? Folks do this so that their replies are obvious. When communicating directly with me however, you really … [Read more...]
Emphasis: Red Means Red!
It is very common for me to get e-mails asking what a sender meant by having only certain text in their e-mail purposely changed to red. This week three e-mails to be exact. So let's cover this again! Red is an aggressive color. The term "seeing red" means that someone is mad or so upset that … [Read more...]
How You Type Your Name Matters!
Your name is what identifies you; it's who you are. Making a good impression (or not) can depend on something as little as how you choose type your name in your e-mails. From configuring your e-mail program, to filling out Web inquiry forms or making online purchases, always formally capitalize … [Read more...]
E-mails Should Not be Manifestos
E-mail is not the venue for rambling random thoughts, your latest tirade or manifesto about whatever your brain sparks at the moment. Long e-mails, especially those without paragraph breaks every several sentences don't get read. They get scanned. I've even caught myself scanning instead of … [Read more...]
Are Your E-mails Tone Deaf?
Did you know there is a tone to every e-mail you send. Whether you know it or not the other side is assuming your tone based on what words you choose, how you use them, format them and your choice of punctuation. It seems that quite a few folks neglect to take their e-mail tone into consideration. … [Read more...]