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“I’m convinced,” Stephen King says, “that fear is at the root of most bad writing.”
That’s especially true with emails. Because the words are in writing and therefore permanent (or as Count Rugen would say, for posterity), without thinking–or out of habit–many people add qualifiers to their emails.
Which makes them sound hesitant. Unsure. Indecisive. Wishy-washy. And turns what could have been a powerful message into something far less.
Next time you write an email, take a second to change or delete the following words:
“Think”
An employee spots a quality problem and asks you to make a decision. Compare these two responses:
- “I think we need to re-run that order.”
- “Re-run that order.”
Both convey the same basic message: You think the order should be re-run. Adding “I think” makes it sound like the decision is up for debate. Or that you’re unsure. Or maybe you’re subtly seeking input.
Or that you’re hedging, because you’re worried you’ll be wrong.
Want to re-run the order? Just say so.
“Just”
What’s your first reaction when someone writes, “I just need five minutes of your time”? If you’re like me, you assume you’re going to be sold, and that five minutes will actually be more like 20.
Instead of making a request sound quick or easy by using “just,” instead think like a marketer. Explain the benefits. Describe what’s in it for the other person. Help me want to spend that five minutes with you. In short, don’t try to convince me with how long–explain why.
The same is true for requests or directions. Saying a task will “take just five minutes” sounds like you’re trying to soften the blow.
Instead of diminishing importance by writing “just,” prove the importance by explaining why.
Or by simply leaving “just” out.
