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The Write Stuff September 2011 Volume 7 Issue 9

Communicating With Class

This issue is a bit of a departure for me; instead of “leading” with something related to the writing process, I’m focusing on the act of communicating. I believe the widespread use of electronic communication has made people forget some basic common courtesies. Consider the following:

  • You make a request via e-mail for time-sensitive information and hear nothing. One week later, you send a second e-mail, and then you finally resort to leaving a voice mail.
  • You send a finished project to a client via e-mail and hear nothing. One week later, you’re forced to call to confirm receipt (so you can finally generate an invoice).

I could go on…but I think you get the point. Good e-mail communicators are becoming as rare as film cameras, so you can differentiate yourself by doing one simple thing: respond!

When you’re asked for something via e-mail, take the few seconds required to send an acknowledgment. If you can’t provide what’s required right away, at least the requester will know you’re “on it.”

A little more thought must go into deciding when e-mails providing information warrant a response. I don’t propose you reply to each and every one, but consider when professional courtesy demands you acknowledge receipt.

If you can’t or don’t want to respond to e-mails as they come in, you might consider setting response expectations:

  • Set a time or two each day when you’ll tackle e-mail, and make that public knowledge.
  • Use automated response when you know you’ll be away from e-mail for more than a day or so.

It’s up to you to decide whether you want to be someone whose communication skills add value to your relationships…or detract from them.

Could your company use an in-house editor? I’m the next best thing…and far more affordable. Learn more at adriennemoch.com or contact me at adrienne@adriennemoch.com or (619) 291-4645.

Published On: May 25th, 2017 / Categories: 2011 /