Email may be an efficient method of communication but it is frequently not the most effective.
Because email lacks tone and nuance it is very easy to misinterpret the mood of the individual on the other end. For example, I am frequently trying to get through my emails quickly so they are terse – short and to the point. I’ve had people ask me to be more patient or they think I’m in a bad mood. And that it isn’t the case at all – I’m just trying to answer emails and move on to the next task.
I haven’t figured out a way to seem less impatient or grumpy in my email other than using exclamation points – “thanks!”. Perhaps if I express excitement than I won’t be perceived as out of sorts.
