Today’s tip: Know what you’re going to say.
In the late-80s movie, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Steve Martin’s long-suffering character (tired of hearing the meandering, aimless stories of John Candy’s kind but overly jovial character) blurts in frustration, “Here’s an idea: Have a POINT! It makes it so much more interesting for the listener!” It’s hurtful, but he’s right.
Same is true in business emails. Readers don’t have the time or patience to sift through paragraphs that are ultimately void. Be sure to have a point.
The main danger of this type of email comes in “reply all” situations when it seems clear that the sender simply wants to be recognized for participating in the dialogue but hasn’t actually added value.
Be wary of that. If you don’t have a true message and real insight to contribute to the conversation, you risk both looking vacuous and seeming underinformed, which could leave your audience questioning your input in the future.
If you want your readers to invest in your input, know what you’re going to say and get to the point, get to the point, get to the point. It will boost your credibility in the long run.
In the late-80s movie, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Steve Martin’s long-suffering character (tired of hearing the meandering, aimless stories of John Candy’s kind but overly jovial character) blurts in frustration, “Here’s an idea: Have a POINT! It makes it so much more interesting for the listener!” It’s hurtful, but he’s right.
Same is true in business emails. Readers don’t have the time or patience to sift through paragraphs that are ultimately void. Be sure to have a point.
The main danger of this type of email comes in “reply all” situations when it seems clear that the sender simply wants to be recognized for participating in the dialogue but hasn’t actually added value.
Be wary of that. If you don’t have a true message and real insight to contribute to the conversation, you risk both looking vacuous and seeming underinformed, which could leave your audience questioning your input in the future.
If you want your readers to invest in your input, know what you’re going to say and get to the point, get to the point, get to the point. It will boost your credibility in the long run.
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