Learn to write well so your emails don't suck

If you've ever been on the receiving end of a confusing and poorly written email then you know firsthand the amount of wasted time, frustration, and ill will it can cause.

Part of the issue is that many people who have the ability to effectively communicate face-to-face don't realize that a major part of that effectiveness stems from the fact that during in-person conversations both they and their audience are using a whole host of non-verbal cues to support their verbal messages and enhance understanding.

These cues include but are not limited to facial expressions, gestures and movement, vocal punctuation of words, vocal tone, body position, eye contact, and distance. When taken all together, they can amount to upwards of 93% of the effectiveness and impact of the message being conveyed.

The problem is that despite all of its invaluable attributes, a major limitation of email communication is that it does not support these same essential non-verbal cues thereby leaving the effectiveness of your message wholly reliant on your writing skills.

In other words, if you have difficulty organizing your ideas and succinctly articulating your thoughts, then your emails will be a barrier to communication.

Solution:

Consider regularly switching complex and important emails to video calls and face-to-face conversations, and take courses on improving your writing skills.