Editing your own emails

Written By Jessi Bixler

We’ve all received them. Work emails that go on and on, and on and on. Maybe you’ve even written a few in your career.

So, how do you avoid becoming “that person” who sends screens-long professional emails in your organization?

Before you hit Send, read through your email again with the objective of making it more concise by keeping these editing tips in mind:

  • Did you put the main conclusion/recommendation/ask at the beginning of the message?

  • Are there redundant concepts or words that you can cut?

  • Any unnecessary descriptions or explanations that your reader(s) will already know?

  • Can you delete any meaningless words? E.g. very, actually, I believe, I think

Better yet? Leave at least a day between drafting the email and sending it. Allowing more time before reviewing it will allow your eyes to edit the draft more critically.

Jessi Bixler https://www.bixlerconsultingllc.com
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