"I apologize in advance..."? Have you ever experienced someone apologizing while they are doing the very thing they are apologizing for? Is an email apology sincere if you are doing something you know could be a problem to start with but you're doing it anyway -- with your apologies? "I'm … [Read more...]
The Subject: Field is for the Subject!
Proper Subject Field Use A site visitor emailed me about a person they communicate with who puts the entire content of their email in the Subject: field. They use the Subject filed for long winded questions or statements. If you open the email -- nothing there. What doesn't this mean? … [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 To Hint About Email Etiquette?
How do you politely inform your friends or family members who are not all that into Email Etiquette that they need to bone up on the subject? I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught. ~ Winston Churchill That's a tough one... In my years of experience no … [Read more...]
Don’t Fall Prey to Holiday e-Stress Syndrome
The Holidays are in full swing! With that comes the pressure and stress of all the Holiday issues that hit us every year. Visiting in-laws and outlaws, entertaining details, gift buying, business and personal responsibilities colliding, Holiday cards and the list goes on. Annual Holiday E-mail … [Read more...]
2 Steps to Avoid E-mail Misunderstandings
Did you know that most misunderstandings could be easily avoided if one side or the other did not: Assume what the other meant. Read into an e-mail what wasn't there. Take the time to be clear about their intent and tone. It's dreadful what little things lead people to misunderstand … [Read more...]
E-mail Assumptions = Misunderstandings
I happens every day... assumptions flying all over the place! When it comes to your e-mail activities, you can not, should not, must not assume. Assuming in most cases will cause more harm than good. You "think" you know what the other side is thinking or meant. But do you really? Many times … [Read more...]
Assuming Gender in E-mail
Well, you know what happens when you assume? Making assumptions is something brought up quite often when it comes to e-mail. Assuming never leads to anything positive. Assuming intent, tone, seriousness, sense of humor -- never works out well. If you are unsure; ask. "Unisex" names are now … [Read more...]
Forwarding of Personal E-mails
A site visitor writes: How do you recommend I handle a good friend who forwards my personal emails to her about my life to her friend at work without asking me. Am I in the wrong to be upset? Is this good friendship practice or am I being too critical? Believe me, you are not wrong or being too … [Read more...]
Before You Click “Send” Email Checklist
Have you been in the middle of an e-mail misunderstanding? They happen every day. Most misunderstandings can be avoided by one side or the other not rushing through their e-mail activities and making sure their e-mail will be received, read and perceived with the desired meaning by the intended … [Read more...]