17 rules for sending emails (as told by a lawyer)

17 Rules for Sending Emails (as told by a Lawyer)

www.wagonheim.com

Eliot Wagonheim,

Wagonheim Law

Only write what you wouldn’t mind seeing blown up in court as Exhibit A

One paragraph is better than

two; two paragraphs are

better than three.

I always cringe when I see that my client has written a novel to the other side.

If the only point of the message is to

convince someone they’re wrong

using facts they already know, don’t send it.

Nothing belongs in ALL CAPS.

Imagine you feel just as strongly, but that you’re writing to your

mother.

Spelling and grammar count.

Just the facts. Feelings are for your therapist.

Rage has no place in business communication.

If you’re reaching back to bring up past slights that have nothing to do with the current issue, know it for what it is – rage.

Ask yourself what you would be writing if you were on the other

side.

Active voice should always be used. (That’s a grammar joke, right there.)

If you want someone to do something, set a timeframe or

deadline.

No threats.

Respect that reasonable people can disagree.

Cc’ing your lawyer does not scare anyone.

Invite the other side to show you anything you should consider when you analyze their

point of view

Allow everyone a graceful exit and a way to save face

Calm down and think: would this situation be better off if I did not hit “send?”

SEND?

/Wagonheim @Wagonheim

/WagonheimLawWagonheim.com/Blog

Connect With Us Online!

Get more small business resources at www.wagonheim.com/resources!