5 Phrases to Ban From Your Emails

Big thinking is overrated.

Me? I’m all about thinking small.

No, smaller.

There you go.

Small changes can still have a big impact.  

And they don’t drain all your headspace and time.

It’s especially true with email.

You probably don’t have to revamp your entire communication style to be more effective – just ditch a few tired phrases that quietly sabotage your message.

Here are five to cut right now if you want people to actually engage with you:

1. ‘Sorry to bother you but...’

Leads with an apology – never good unless you’ve actually done something to be sorry about.  It immediately signals to your reader that your ask is going to be annoying, difficult or irrelevant (or all three).

2. ‘Let me know your thoughts’

What about them? When? How many? And how do you want them? It’s vague and puts all the hard work on to your reader (they won’t like that.) Ask for something specific instead.

3. ‘Just checking in’

You sound hesitant and low priority. Be clearer about why you're following up – what’s the impact of them replying/not replying?  Add a dash of urgency and/or jeopardy if you want a reply.

4. ‘By way of an introduction’

Just get to the point already.

5. ‘For clarification purposes’

You’re not kidding anyone – we all know this is passive aggression at DEFCON 1. Either be clearer, or be kinder.

Your emails probably don’t need a total makeover. Just fewer clichés, clearer asks and maybe one less apology per paragraph.

Here’s to thinking small!