Do you sound like hard work?

Two Harvard behavioural scientists analysed an email sent to thousands of school board members asking them to complete a survey.

When they cut the email from 127 words to 49 words, the response rate almost doubled.

So far, so unsurprising. (I can almost hear Miranda from The Devil Wears Prada: ‘Shorter emails, better? Groundbreaking.’)

But here's the bit that’s really interesting.

The researchers found that longer emails didn't just feel harder to read. They made people assume the task itself would take longer too.

In other words, recipients weren't only judging the survey, but also making assumptions about the sender, too.

That’s because we humans are essentially little pattern-recognition machines. We can’t help but try to draw conclusions from pieces of information.

And in this instance we’re all thinking:

If you make a simple email feel like hard work, what the hell are you going to be like on a project?!

Whether you like it or not, every piece of writing is a reflection of your personality, your values, your approach.

A short, clear email says:

‘I respect your time.’

‘I'll make this easy for you.’

‘I’ve given this more than 10 seconds’ thought.’

A rambling email says:

‘Fetch the spade. You'll need to do some digging.’

‘Good luck finding the point.’

‘I cobbled this together whilst catching up on the Real Housewives of Beverley Hills. Did you see what Cherie said to Mercedes?’

Fair? Maybe not.

Human? Absolutely.

At work our writing speaks for us.

That's why brevity isn't just about saving people thirty seconds (although that’s nice). It’s also about giving off the right vibe (as my teens would say).

So your challenge today is this. Look at an email you’ve sent recently and ask yourself:

Does it make me look like a joy to work with?

Or does it whisper:

‘Pack your hard hat. This is going to be hard work.’