How many emails do you send in a day?

Probably dozens and maybe even hundreds, right? Email is no longer limited to your computer at work. Today many of these emails come from people on the move using their mobile devices. I know that the first thing I did this morning, before I even got out of bed, was to check email on my phone.

It is often easy to lose sight of good email manners, especially in a culture so inundated with email. Politeness sometimes takes a backseat so that “efficient” communication can occur. Many of us may not realize that we have these habits, but as with all communication it is important to consider how you and your message are being perceived.

So the next time you are about to shoot a quick email to someone, consider the following:

1. Are you addressing the person you are writing?
2. Have you checked for spelling and other errors? (Hint: Including “Please excuse any typos…sent from my iPhone” is not an excuse.)
3. Are you watching your tone?
4. Have you read the email you are responding to in its entirety?

For more insight into these questions and advice on how to be more polite in your email communication, check out this article.

“email-spam” flickr photo by jean pierre gallot 69009 https://flickr.com/photos/jean_pierre_gallot_69009/8456188320 shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license