three
slow
deep
breaths.
Ready?
Now, reread your email and ask yourself, "How do I come across?" What is the first thing your recipient is going to see? Is your first sentence too abrupt? Are you clear about what you are trying to say? Does your email evoke any emotion? A warm email stands a better chance of achieving positive results than a cool or standoffish email. And most of the time, you won't need to do a complete rewrite to add some warmth. A small change here and there can drastically improve your message. For example, ending with a "Thanks!" or "Kind Regards" instead of just your name (or worse, no signature at all) adds a positive note that can clarify an otherwise emotionally ambiguous message.
Mindful Emailing is of special importance when writing a potentially frustrating email (say, trying to escape a fine imposed on you by your school). In situations where the person you are emailing is likely to receive a high number of complaints, think of yourself as an advocate for your recipient. "I know you must have a lot on your plate, thanks for taking the extra time on this..." "I know it's not your fault, but I was wondering if you have any advice..." As you reread what you have written, look for ways to express kindness and camaraderie. In other words, write the kind of email that you would want to receive. In fact, if you want to explore this further, begin to pay attention to your own responses as you receive emails. The best way to test what works and doesn't work is to be aware of your own reactions.
Have questions or comments? Leave a note. Share a story about digital miscommunication and how you resolved it!