(and they missed out parts (b) and (c) of the question, plus they didn't read the linked web pages supporting my assertions)
Yes, I really need to cut back on how much I type there, but I have trouble communicating in person so text is just so much more comfortable for me. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
If your question has multiple parts, break them into separate, sequential questions.
Lastly if the question is so complex that this doesn't work, and for whatever reason you can't talk to them in person, present them with what you believe the answer is and let them critique it. This won't always work for every scenario but it might be worth trying.
End the email with the question in the subject asked again.
EDIT: If you find that you need to have a conversation, either walk over to their desk or pick up the phone.
Yeah, that really depends on the content of the conversation, but I have seen that tactic used in so many situations (including non-email) that I assume it as the default reason. So I limit myself to one question per email.
Some people will understand what you mean with very little. Others likely won't understand regardless of how much explanation you provide.
Make everything that is critical super obvious. Bulleted questions is a great suggestion.
Super true
1. Place most important piece at the top. Answer the following question to your audience: What is the purpose of this email and how does it apply to me?
2. Bulleted or numbered lists are ideal for multiple questions/points. It visually divides, gives you ability to order most to least important and also allows someone an easy way to respond inline to each question.
3. Iterate on your first revision with goal of reducing length and maintaining intention. This takes practice and forces you to ask do I really need this line of text.
4. If you distribute to a large list, identify at the top the scope so those it doesn't apply to can discard.
5. If you are emailing a group and you need replies or action items for different people call this out. You can do this by calling each name out: @Joe - Can you help identify x? @Jane - Can you follow up with so and so? etc. This way their name is attached to it.
I also try to eliminate parentheticals. Branching lines of thought are very difficult for most people.
This is something that I hadn't thought about but now that you mention it, it does seem to match what I've experienced.
Nice catch.
I haven't watched it, so this question might not be relevant - but how do you explain the popularity of shows like "Game of Thrones"?
From what I gather, it has several various plot lines woven over and around multiple episodes and seasons.
People also don't seem to have any problems deciphering the various "plot lines" within their own circles of family and friends (in my experience with people who seem to have waaaay too much drama in their lives).
Is there something about "video" that makes it easier to parse in this fashion than text? Does emotional attachment to characters in such dramas (or personal involvement) make it easier to understand intertwined plot lines?
Just musing on things here...hmm.
Once that's done, you can ask if they have the time to answer another question, and continue with the interaction.
- Make each bullet point actionable/respondable
- Condense the bullet points/trim the fat
- Use sub-bullets as an aside or to provide narrative/opinion/background
Now people have essentially been informed up front that you expect X number of things for them to respond to and they’ll be less likely to miss the stuff in the middle.
You’ll also find that you’ll get the same information and intent across with your TL;DR bulletpoint summary, but in a way that doesn’t cause the reader to bail out.
It’ll also make it easier for them to respond because you’ve essentially given them references names for each point they’d respond to.
Where are the rest of them then?
2. Read The Elements of Style, by William Strunk and E. B. White (< 100 pages).
3. Read the first several chapters of On Writing Well, by William Zinnser (< 100 pages).
(Don't like reading? Oh :)
I've since started tagging people in the body for specific items I need from them. Varying levels of success, if people are on the email and see themselves tagged in a specific part of the email, they know where to read carefully and what response I expect from them.