Want fewer emails? Do this.

I was recently interviewed by the Financial Times about whether AI email management systems are going to rescue us from inbox hell.

The short answer: No. Well, not yet at least.

However…there is one simple habit that will dramatically cut the number of emails you send and receive.

And it’ll make you look calm, in control and on top of your game. Sound tempting?

You just need to…anticipate questions. That’s it.

Listen – if you’re honest, many of your email tennis matches happen because:

• you missed something important

• something was ambiguous

• you didn’t stop to think, ‘What will they ask next?’

But if you anticipate questions, it’s suddenly a win-win-win:

• you cut email back-and-forths

• your recipient feels understood and reassured

• you look sharp, strategic and trustworthy

‘But,’ I hear you protest, ‘I just don’t have time to sit there imagining every possible question someone might have. Have you seen my inbox?’

<This is my stern face.>  But you do have time to answer 15 follow-ups? Exactly.

Relax – I’ve done all the heavy lifting for you with this ridiculously simple AI prompt to

paste before you hit send. It’s brilliant to help you preempt questions:

I’m about to send the following email:

[PASTE EMAIL HERE]

Context:

• The recipient is: [ROLE / LEVEL / RELATIONSHIP TO YOU]

• Their likely priorities are: [WHAT THEY CARE ABOUT]

• The outcome I want is: [SPECIFIC ACTION / DECISION / RESPONSE]

Please:

1. List the most likely questions, objections, concerns or clarification points they might raise.

2. Identify any missing information that could cause confusion or delay.

3. Suggest specific lines I could add to pre-empt those questions.

4. Highlight anything that could trigger unnecessary back-and-forth.

In a rush? Use this shortcut version:

Here’s my draft email to [RECIPIENT]:

[PASTE]

What follow-up questions is this likely to generate?

What’s missing?

As I always say: AI isn’t the best author, but it can be a brilliant thinking partner and editor.

So give these prompts a go, and let me know how you get on. You know I love hearing from you.