Email Etiquette: Type This, Not That
Now that every meeting that could have been an email is definitely an email, what and how you say things is more important than ever. Here are some of my main Dos and Don'ts to consider before pressing send.
Opening with a S/O to Coronavirus
Remember a few years ago when there was a polar freeze over most of the U.S. and everyone’s Facebook and Instagram feeds were filled with photos of what temperature their car said it was? Remember the feeling of being surprised with the first few and then really annoyed? After all, anyone can look up the temperature for anywhere in the world with a few clicks.
That’s what it’s like now when you open your email with a shout-out to Coronavirus. Everyone is aware that it’s happening and everyone is affected in some way. No need to state the obvious.
Generic Closings
For every person who thinks "Warm regards" literally means that they regard the recipient warmly, there are at least 4 other people who read that and think, "Wow, OK." It's like the "Bless your heart" of email closings. If you're not from the South, you think it's always positive, but if you aren't, well, bless your heart.
Using Talk Type for Emails and Not Fixing Formatting
It's a busy world. Sometimes it's easier/more efficient to talk type. But that doesn't mean your email should read as if you said it. Paragraph breaks, bullet points and the Grammarly app remain your trusted allies.
Thoughts?
The other day I received a marketing email with the subject, "Thoughts?" "Thoughts" is one of the universally understood passive-aggressive approaches in emails. Unless you're trying to make someone feel angry, belittled, typing emails to document with HR, or you're a Karen, avoid "Thoughts." And the marketing email? I did open it. But it was gross.
Forget the Email Copy—it's the CC and BCC you need to worry about
The copywriting is very important, but no less important is where/when and who you copy as recipients. And even in 2020, I've heard real stories in the wild of people replying all to email threads with, "You need to stop replying all." The COVID-19 situation is not helping this since what used to be a conference call is now an email thread of way too many people, who might not be infected with a novel virus, but have some condition that includes a symptom of regression to 1999 email standards.
Subject-ive
Emails have increased by 500% since the beginning of March (I made that up but it sounds true). That's why it's more important than ever to avoid replying to emails with a new thought without first modifying the subject of the email. "Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Fwd: Do You Think I'm Contagious" is not the best subject line regarding new expectations for the second quarter's sales projections.
Warm regards,
