Sometimes, we can get so busy that we don’t stop to think about how we communicate in written form, and this is usually the case in our emails. You shoot off a quick email and don’t stop to think how it will be received. Our written communication can sometimes derail our work relationships. It’s important to consider how our abruptness can affect members of our team. Here are some tips to help ensure that your written communication gets your point across without wreaking havoc.
Take time to think about what you’re sending.
Ask yourself, what would I think if I received this email? Written words have no voice and no facial expression. The recipient can’t hear your tone of voice or see your face, and words can come across more harshly than intended.
Be mindful and soften your words.
Be conscious of what you’re typing and carefully select the right verbiage to get your point across. Keep in mind what you would say if you were speaking face-to-face with the person.
Write your message, but don’t send it right away.
Take a moment to review it before hitting the send button. It might be helpful to come back to it later with a fresh mind to take a look at it before sending it. If it’s something that can be shared, ask a colleague to review it for you.
Crafting great written communication can take some time to perfect, but with practice, it can happen.
