Hey! R u der? OMG did you read Ken’s memo? LOL At the risk of sounding curmudgeonly, I protest the incursion of “textisms” into business email. Acronyms like “OMG” and “LOL”, short forms like “u” and “thru” and “r” do not belong in professional discourse. Moreover, email provides other elements that make it superior to […]
LOL in Business Email? Not So Fast Read More »
The email land mines series has continued for several weeks now. Here are the last three items on my list … until you write to me about more. Sending Wrong, Too Large, or No Attachments Did you ever blame someone for not responding to an attachment and then discover that you forgot to attach it
Wrong Attachments, Dumb Forwarding in Business Emails Read More »
The Email Land Mines series continues with three more topics: Using Email When You Should Use the Phone or Meet in Person Email is impersonal and does not convey tone clearly. If you have something sensitive to discuss, pick up the phone or make an appointment. Don’t conduct complex negotiations by email. Confirming agreements by
Business Email Writing: Tone, Nuance and Subject Lines Read More »
Did you hear the one about the rabbi, the priest, the minister and the imam? How about the stupid thing your favorite political figure just said? It’s a hoot! Or maybe you just don’t care Humor, irony, and sarcasm do not translate well in email. The joke, cartoon, or video clip that you find hilarious
Email Pitfall: Trying to Be Funny Read More »
If you’re mad, take ten deep breaths. Go for a walk. Do not send an email. A respondent from the UCLA Anderson School told of a corporate culture in which angry, insulting emails became the preferred mode of communication among feuding executives. She added, “BTW – the company eventually went down in flames… coincidence?” I
The Perils of Writing Emails When Angry or Upset Read More »
