Keeping emails short Jul22 '07
Mike Davidson offers a unique way to keep your emails short - just let the recipient know your intentions.
This is a good idea, but it's something people should practice anyway.
More important than Mike's approach of abruptly ending your dialogue, or forcing people to accept your new approach, you should always practice "email terseness."
- Don't extend an email thread when you can close it.
- Don't send follow-up emails that are open-ended questions. This just causes the dreaded "back and forth" game.
- Don't force the recipient to have to respond. Try to resolve every reason for the email, before you reply. Then reply stating it's done.
- If you can obtain the answer another way, do so. Don't send an email inquiry just because you are lazy and don't feel like "looking something up."
- If you have to reply, give every possible piece of information. Anticipate the person asking further questions.
I treat emails like I do phone calls - it's an interruption, so if you have to do it, get to the point and get it done.
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