e-Misinterpretation

The convenience of e-mail makes it the messaging medium of choice for many of us.  But research shows that e-mails are often seen as more negative than intended, with positive messages being viewed as neutral and neutral ones being perceived as negative.  And that has to have an effect on the recipient’s view of you and your company.  The usual culprits are called out; lack of visual cues to clarify your meaning, lack of an opening or closing, the use of all caps and excessive brevity can all foster misinterpretation.  Work on making your e-mails more obviously upbeat, especially when addressing clients or prospects – or simply communicate more often by phone or in person.