Are you suffering from "PPMT"? (Pre and Post Mail Tension)
If you use email then you probably are! Read on to find out…
We've conducted a lot of independent research* and found that misunderstanding email has turned 52% us into nervous wrecks in our work and personal lives. If left unchecked this can lead to PPMT (Pre and Post Mail Tension) syndrome. Some interesting facts our research uncovered:
- 61% of people using email at work are worried about becoming the next Claire Swires with their private messages potentially being leaked to the office and world at large.
- 75% of people admitted to using email in an attempt to impress people they fancy.
- Romantic 'inbox expectations' preoccupy at least two thirds of the survey group - causing problems with concentration and productivity ... And when the reply finally arrives, it's just the start of our troubles…
- Reading too much into an email led to 50% of people completely misinterpreting it - 12% of those people then had an argument because of the confusion and 2% even broke up with their partners due to email confusion!
So, how can you avoid email pitfalls? It's easy -- read on and learn from Yahoo! Mail's tips for avoiding "PPMT".
- Create the right impression: email is communication and the way you communicate tells a person (like the recipient of your email) about you. So take care with spelling, use emoticons (e.g. :) ;), :P) sparingly - they might be fine when emailing friends, but not a good look when communicating with the boss or with clients.
- If you're not clear what's someone's saying, ask: In professional situations, people value and remember someone who gets the end result right, they won't remember one or two extra questions on the way. You'll appear thoughtful and avoid more embarrassing or damaging situations.
- Don't be offended too easily by perceived "harsh" emails: Email is great for conveying facts, but can be bad at conveying emotion. When you remember that only 30% of communication is based on words, while 70% is deduced from body language, facial expressions and tone of voice you can understand how such perceptions happen. As emails lack these visual/vocal cues, the tone can be lost. So, don't react immediately to a seemingly "harsh" email, but rather take some time out by:
- Closing the email and take a break. When you're calmer, read the email objectively. Is it really offensive or just thoughtless?
- Ask a trusted friend/colleague to read the email. Being one step away from the situation, they will be more objective
- Do NOT hit the send key when you're angry: It's good to write things down when you're angry as it can help deal with emotions, but don't hit the send key. Wait till you calm down, let the email sit for a while, eg use your Yahoo! Mail "save draft" feature. Carefully think through the consequences of sending the email and then decide… If in two minds, sleep on it and or ask a third party to review the content for objective advice.
- Concise is best: Research shows we read 25 % fewer words per minute on a computer screen than on paper, so it's best to keep it short and polish your effort to make sure it gets the message across clearly. Try drafting an email, then editing down to half its original length - take out the filler and keep the important key points.
- Never say on email what you wouldn't say in person: Aside from misinterpretation by the intended recipient, email can be forwarded to others without context, leaving them to draw their own conclusions.
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