IMPORTANT THINGS in Emails

I dislike when people put bold or CAPITALIZED words in their emails. I find that these strategies can make the message feel yelly, passive aggressive, and/or condescending.

Interestingly, the use of this manufactured emphasis may point to a deeper problem: that your email, as-is, is not effectively and succinctly conveying your message.

So, if you find yourself with a finger quivering over the “caps lock” key or the “bold” icon, consider instead spending a few minutes distilling clarity from your content and format.

Then, if you’re really stuck and still need some OOMPH, consider changing the relevant text to a different color. My personal favorites are pink and purple – eye-catching, readable, and fun.

These strategies allow you to direct a reader’s attention without added and unnecessary EMPHASIS, and your email becomes a friendly, collaborative, and effective communication.