Strengths and Weaknesses of Email

While email is a useful tool, it can sometimes be misunderstood.

Useful Tips

Be careful with the tone of your message.

It is easy for readers to interpret your message differently than what you meant. In particular, it's easy to read anger into a message, when none was intended. Remember, there is no body language, or tone of voice to give the reader clues.

Jokes and sarcastic remarks are frequently misunderstood.

You may want to include symbols or emojis to point out your attempts at humor. The standard smiley :) is the most frequently used symbol to convey humor.

Using all caps in email implies SHOUTING.

Capital letters should be used where shouting is appropriate, which is not often.

Emphasis can be added to individual words or phrases by surrounding them with asterisks, *like this*, or CAPITALIZING just the few words needed to make your point.

Email is not the best media for criticism or bad news.

Most often, this conversation should take place in person or at least via the telephone.

More Tips about Email

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