Should you really send that email???

Michael West — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:43:21 +0000

Twice in the last year I have had an email come back to bite me. When I sent both messages there was nothing intended to stir up or make the other party angry. Both times that is just what happened.
When you send an email it is impossible for the receiving party to understand your tone of voice unless you offer some explanation. It may sound perfectly normal in your head, but if it reads “what are you going to do about that?” It may come across abrasive and cold. No, that was not the sentence in my email. You can insert your own sentence and easily see how things can be misunderstood.
I have started my own policy not to send email if i am upset. I will type the message and come back to it later. It is also wise to read your emails out loud to see different ways the message could come across. The main point is just think about who is reading your message and make sure you do your best to deliver the correct message. Do you have any email restriction on yourself?

Non-traditional Law Student » communication

Should you really send that email???