Does this sound like you? “Sorry to bother you with this post, I just thought it would be an interesting topic to look over and relevant for your job role, but I understand if you don’t have time to read it.” If it does, discover how to write confident emails!
As women, we often tend to be overly apologetic in our writing and less direct, which contrasts with the approach of many of our male counterparts.
Sorry, not sorry!
First, eliminate unnecessary apologies. Most of the time, what you’re requesting is perfectly reasonable and part of the recipient’s job role. So, what are you apologizing for?
Be Certain
When you’re sure about something, show it in your writing. Phrases like “I think” can weaken your point.
Professional Tone
In a professional email, signing off with “xx” won’t earn you any serious points. While a smiley might seem to soften your message, a straightforward request is not abrupt.
Exclamation Marks
Exclamation points can express enthusiasm, but use them sparingly in professional emails. Overuse can make your message seem less serious.
Unfortunately, these traits are more commonly seen in women, who generally worry more about offending the reader or appearing rude. Men, on the other hand, tend to care less about others’ perceptions (though this is a generalization). We can learn from both sides, but the key takeaway is to stop apologizing, use confident language, and write assertive emails.
If you hate writing emails altogether, you can find some great tips in our blog “Email Writing Tips For Those Who Hate Writing“.
