Have you ever noticed in emails and in text messages that sometimes you are unsure of the tone being used by the person who is trying to communicate with you? I am completely worried about my contacts doing the same, which is why when you get an email, letter or text message from me, it usually has a 🙂 in it somewhere. I have also noticed that very subtle changes in pronouns, and adding additional helper text can make a huge difference. Leave as little as possible to interpretation when dealing with these means of communication.
Here are some examples:
1. A wife texts her husband:
When will you be home?
vs.
I cant wait to see you! When will you be home? 🙂
A businessman emails a client:
There is a problem. Contact me as soon as possible.
vs.
Something has come up, nothing we cant fix though. 😉 call me at your earliest convenience.
Parent to child:
I need to talk to you.
vs.
We need to talk sweetie. 🙂
See what I mean?
First time here…great looking blog Michael!
I couldn’t agree more…it’s easy to interpret emails incorrectly and it’s gotten me into trouble before. I like the examples you gave. Very applicable to just about anyone!
wow…hey Jennifer! Thanks for coming ! I am always so surprised to find out who comes to my blog….I usually have no clue until they leave a message. 🙂
I have noticed the same thing with the start to a conversation. I call someone to get one answer to one question, and found myself saying… I failed to give anything to that person today. My tone and my question was solely "taking". So now when I start a phone conversation I try to connect in tone and manner…