Writing Business Emails: Sometimes Better to Talk
(Issue 21: August, 2009) by Mary Cullen 
Convoluted, lengthy, and rambling business emails are difficult to resolve and can drain far too much time from your workday.
This issue explains a simple, yet very effective, technique that is too often overlooked. It will redirect business emails that would otherwise resolve poorly and take too much of your time.
Time-draining email messages come in many forms:
• unclear
• rambling
• a rant
• too long
• convoluted string of appended messages
• repeated messages on the same topic
• inflamed or sarcastic tone
There is a simple response that will resolve all these issues. It will save your time. It will improve communication. It will improve business. It will stop the email madness.
Simply respond, "Let's discuss over the phone. What is your number and when is a good time to call?"
Email has become the default communication vehicle in business, but oftentimes, it is not the best tool.
Don't be hesitant to shift a discussion away from email to a live conversation if a conversation will clarify an issue better.
Complex decisions are best discussed outside the inbox. And, it will reduce misunderstandings about sensitive subjects.
