Don't plead in emails Jan24 '07

When writing an email, please do not include verbiage such as:

I am not sure how to resolve this issue, but I feel that it is something that does need to be taken care of. Please let me know what, if anything can be done about this.

I just wasted 5 seconds of your time, making you read that.

Why does this even need to be said? Just state what the problem is, and that's it. This is just excess verbiage, which only forces the recipient to keep reading, even though these sentences don't contain any relevant information. It's just a "plead," if you will.

When reading requests from people, I often find myself scanning the entire email for the relevant sections, which are usually only a sentence or two. The rest of the email (approximately 90% of it) is just pleading.

I really need this fixed because I can't run reports, and this slows down my entire day. Is there any way this can be changed so it doesn't happen again in the future?

Yes, and while I'm at it, is there anything else that I can make perfect for you? Because it all revolves around you - Mr. email sender. I, of course, have nothing else to do except sit here and wait for your pleads to come in. This is my sole purpose in life.

I am not saying pleads are wrong - but just keep them short.

Here's a few examples:

  • Thanks. Let me know when you get a chance.

  • If there's anything I can help with, please let me know.

  • If you have any questions, please let me know.

And for absolute urgent requests:

  • I know you are busy, but can you please take a look at this at your earliest convenience?

Categories: Communication , Email , Rants

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matthom is published and produced by Matt Thommes - an independent publishing enthusiast, mobile blogger, content creator, informative writer, web developer from Chicago. Never one to conform, Matt intends to promote the effect the web has on our lives, in an effort to intensify, instruct, and clarify all that is happening around us.

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