Embrace clear communications

Keep ambiguity for humor

This challenge is that when using email we tend to think that the recipient of the message is receiving the message real time and the reality is that the message may not be received exactly when expected.

Example:

This is just a quick reminder for you to join us on our conference call tomorrow night at 9:00 Eastern

After applying the check list

Example of clear communications will include these attributes:

• Why you sent the message
• Exact time reference including:
• day of week
• date
• time with zone  
• link to any support information or preparation items
• Who you are
• Your Web Site

Next

Read your message out loud and put yourself in the shoes of the recipient.

• Edit your work
• Send yourself the message
• Read your message when it comes in, edit and resend as needed.
• When you are satisfied with your communication send it out

Remember, your readers are swimming in a pool of information, I personally have received an average of  1355 per month over the last year (2002) and a record monthly count of 2652 in the month of December 2002. So please be clear with your communications. 

Thanks,

Your coach

Dale Maxwell

(c) 2003 Dale Maxwell www.dalemaxwell.com www.practicebuildingcoach.com 

This article may be freely distributed as long as it is in it's entirety, including these credits.