Effective Email Communication 101

If your work day looks anything like mine, your job is comprised of - 

• 50% emails (most unread)

• 40% meetings (most that could have been an email)

• 8% tasks that are unrelated to the job description

• 2% work that is actually helping you be successful 

Emails have taken over our day to day jobs. And yet - no one teaches us how to be effective over email. 

• How do I get a response from someone who isn’t replying to the (many) emails I’ve sent? 

• How do I handle passive aggressive emails? 

• What happens if my client or prospective client ghosts me? What if my boss is ghosting me?

• How do I handle rude or short emails? 

• What if my client is being condescending or demanding?
  

The tough situational email instances are never ending. Each one unique to who is sending, who is receiving, and the nature of the context. Effective communication is one of the most important skillsets necessary for success and productivity in the workplace and yet, no one knows what effective communication looks like or how to practice it. People forget that email communication is a form of communication in the workplace. It sounds silly but many people still think of email as a shorthand way of writing and communicating. This is no longer true. 

In order to be a successful communicator in the workplace, you need to practice improving your email communication skills. 

And I’m here to help. As the self-proclaimed queen of #emailtiptuesday, a sales professional, and an entrepreneur I’m here to help you write more effective emails. 

Here’s how - Below is a breakdown of email scenarios you might run into on a daily basis accompanied by responses that will help you effectively communicate via email. 

When a client/colleague/manager is dark or unresponsive… 

“I know you are extremely busy so thank you for your time in advance…”

Odds are - when they see another email from you, they ignore. No matter how many times you email them, if it is not a priority for them - they will mentally file it away. It is important to recognize and communicate that you are grateful they are taking time out of THEIR day to help YOU. Give a little - get a little.

When the email is short, rude, or even passive aggressive…

“I appreciate you looking into this for me…”

Remove the tone. Kill ‘em with kindness (screenshots can be receipts after all) and communicate your appreciation for their time. Everyone is busy. Everyone is stressed. De-escalate by showing gratitude for their time. A little appreciation goes a long way.

When you’re tired of “just following up”...

“I haven’t heard back on this request… is this still a priority for you?”

Sometimes emails need to be frank and to the point. You might not like the answer you receive, but at the end of the day, you will know where to refocus your time and energy if it is no longer a priority for the other party involved.

When you make a mistake… 

“Thanks for bringing this to my attention, we all make mistakes sometimes! As you can imagine, XYZ has been problematic so I overlooked XYZ. I apologize for that!”

It happens. Don’t sweat it. Sometimes calling attention to your own humanity helps soften the blow. Humility goes a long way.

And when you want MORE email communication help, I’ve got you covered for that too! 

In JANUARY 2023 (next month!!!) I will be launching my new online email communication course: Email To Success. 

The one stop shop for everything you need that will help you write better emails. 

Email to Success is a one-of-a-kind digital course that is designed to help hard-working corporate professionals like yourself take control of your inbox. You will go from feeling overwhelmed and disrespected by your clients, your coworkers, and your boss to feeling productive and empowered to be the confident communicator that is respected in the workplace.

I’m currently working on all the fun tech side of setting up an online digital course but you’ll be the first one to get access to the course as soon as my pre-launch starts! 

Have specific content you want covered in the course? Email me!

Jenna@careercivility.com

This course is built for you, with you, and specific scenarios are welcomed!