We’re all used to communicating by text with our mobile devices. So many professional emails and messages go from an iPhone, iPad or Android device. According to The Tech Report, 35% of professionals respond to emails on their mobiles. I’m surprised it’s not more. Checking and dealing with email, especially when it’s a short and simple response, is a great way to use up time on public transport, waiting for a meeting to start or when you’re out and about.
In these situations we often give our messages only a brief burst of attention. We’re frequently distracted by what’s going on around us. Typing on a tiny screen while waiting for the next activity, or even as it begins, we tend to keep our replies concise.
The trouble with brevity is that it can sometimes seem like laziness, arrogance or brusqueness. It can also mean you miss the dubious ministrations of autocorrect, which can be hilarious or excruciating*. And just because your recipient knows from your signature that you’re using a mobile (“iTyped with my iThumbs”) it doesn’t mean they’ll forgive you everything. Your dashed off reply that you hope will show how responsive and efficient you are might actually leave the other person feeling as if you don’t think they’re worth your attention.
Here are my tips to try and avoid that:
- Would a phone call be better? Don’t use text or mobile email to avoid tricky conversations.
- Basic spelling, grammar and punctuation rules still apply – don’t risk sounding illiterate. Some recipients may have higher expectations than others so think about who you’re sending to before you adopt full-blown txtspk
- Proof before sending, however short the message! Be specially aware of autocorrect bloopers.
- Salutations (greetings) and sign-offs matter even more when there are fewer words. Take a moment to be sure you sound friendly, even if if the main content is very short and to the point.
- Set up your signature to state the message comes from a mobile. This doesn’t excuse inaccuracy but it does explain to some extent why you are being brief.
- Don’t use all capitals (shouting) or all lower case (lazy or arrogant).
- Use mobile email or texting for simple information, confirmation and instructions or a non-controversial professional conversation.
- Use the email subject field to indicate content and purpose.
- Brevity can be mistaken for rudeness or arrogance. Re-read what you’ve written aloud or in your head before sending: ask yourself “how would I feel?”
- Be clear in your mind how and when you choose to use these media. If you use them regularly for particular types of communication, you could let your recipients know so they understand why they’re getting a very brief message.
- Pre-filled short answers sent from your smart watch are great for immediacy but can be extremely blunt – use with caution in professional communication!
*Autocorrect fails never fail to make me laugh – but some of these are a a bit rude so be careful if you’re reading in a public place!
Photo credit: Fauxels via pexels.com
This post was updated in August 2023