Basically, Dreizen is begging people to stop firing off emails with a common and simple phrase: "Just checking in." "This is a vague non-statement that is basically the same as saying, 'Pushing this to the top of your inbox,'" Dreizen tells Parade.She says that it's important to note that "Just checking in" (and phrases like it) isn't outlandish. It's not as problematic as a pages-long rant about the need to respond promptly only 48 hours after the initial email. Many people who send emails with this phrase are well-meaning and good humans. However, the phrase doesn't resonate and may unintentionally turn the recipient off."'Just checking in' does not accomplish the task it seemingly needs to, which is to force the issue or expedite the to-do item," Dreizen points out. "When we're using email as communication, we want to be as straightforward and direct as possible. This phrase accomplishes nothing while also coming off vaguely passive-aggressive."Eeek. Is it ever OK to use the phrase "Just checking in" in an email? Dreizen says yes, it has its specific use."I do think this phrase has a time and place, but I think it should often be followed up with questions," she explains. "Just checking in' can be a great way to reconnect with a colleague, sales contact or collaborator where the lines of communication have quieted. However, follow it up with specific questions so it's not just a lone phrase waving in the wind."For instance, "Just checking in. Do you have any specific questions about my proposal?" Or, "Just checking because it's been a minute since we spoke. Do you want to get coffee sometime next week? I'd love to hear about the vacation you were excited about last time we chatted."Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging People To Stop This 'Rude' Habit During Phone Calls
What To Say Instead
In the spirit of directness: "I really do not like when people use emojis or emoticons in email," Dreizen says. "I believe if you need an emoji or emoticon to express yourself, you're not trying hard enough to use language to do the same."The winky face after a tough-to-swallow sentence?"[It] doesn't soften the blow for me," Dreizen reports. "It comes off as passive-aggressive. If you find yourself needing a smiley face at the end of a sentence, maybe go back and see if the sentence can be cleaned up in a way that makes it smile, so the emoji isn't needed."(We'll avoid using the "fire emoji" to describe this take.)Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging People To Stop This Surprisingly Common Habit in Social Settings
2. Use text styling
3. Look out for "weirdness"
Fonts, font sizes and spacing can look random and weird—it's jarring. "Have you ever gotten an email from someone that has wild margins, three different font sizes—in one word—and two different fonts? And it's not intentional or designed to be that way?" Dreizen asks.If you're nodding your head vigorously (and even if you're not), avoid this snafu."It doesn't make the sender look good," Dreizen advises. "So make sure to check your fonts and margins."Up Next:
Related: What To Say Instead of 'Nice to E-Meet You' in an Email, According to Etiquette Experts
Source
Jenny Dreizen, modern-day etiquette, boundaries and relationships expert and the COO/co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, a global divorce support network. Read More Details
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