How to Avoid Misunderstandings with Email Communication
How often have you read an email or article and said “I don’t know what this is about at all!”. There is an art to writing, and there’s also a number of mistakes that can be made. In its essence, composing – especially in the work environment – is about putting a clear point across. Nothing else matters should you fail to communicate your message clearly in your email or written communiqué.
We’ve listed some introductory points to help you communicate your message succinctly in business communications.
Should your article be fairly lengthy, begin with a brief single sentence – the “gist” – of what the written piece is in regards to so your audience can know if the article is pertinent or not to their needs. Don’t take for granted too much about the reader. Keep it simple and get rid of excess waffle. Remember that the reader is devoting their time to your email or written piece so keep it short and on topic. Never write an email hurriedly. It’s natural to answer in ire to an email that might misunderstand something you wrote previously, or is over-critical of you. You can still write out your irate reaction without sending it – as a way to release pent-up frustration. Then return to your draft and refine it as a composed, measured answer.
Finally, use a pen rather than using your computer sometimes. A penned invite, for instance, has more weight than a typed document ever can. Purchase a great pen such as mont blanc ballpoint pens – these will feel more comfortable in your hand and you will discover that your writing improves with such a writing tool.
