I talked about having to literally use a more confident tone a few years ago at work. After working on that and a few roles later, my next mission was to figure out how to write confidently. I found myself writing garbled, weak, weirdly confusing emails and wanted to change that. Plus I needed ones that got results! Lucky I had the absolute perfect boss at the time to help me with that. She is the queen of concise, to-the-point but friendly emails that I am so fortunate I could learn from her.
Ask Someone to Monitor Your Confidence and Tone
Early on in my former role I made monthly goals and added “email confidence” it. I asked my boss, who’s direct, kind and confident emails I admired. We have very different personalities and writing styles so I didn’t want to copy her. Instead, I wanted to learn why she got action from her emails (and not just because of a title) from everyone.
During our weekly 1:1 I asked her to please monitor my email and see what I could to improve my email confidence. Six weeks later we checked in on it and she gave me more ideas, but said that my email confidence had improved.
Believe In Your Idea or Thought
If you don’t speak confidently about your idea or thought, how can someone else? Confidence doesn’t mean you are arrogant or are unwilling to partner with others, what it does mean is you’ve been willing to put in time and energy into trying to solve for X. Perhaps your solution isn’t the one that is going to find X but what if it is?
Even in email form, people can tell your confidence or enthusiasm. Often an email is the first impression for an idea, don’t let them think you are looking at your feet while talking about something you really believe in. It’s okay to ask questions – that doesn’t mean you aren’t confident! Confidently send the email that asks for clarification. Chances are you aren’t the only one who needs it.
Eliminate These Phrases
I think
Example: I think we can implement this quickly and it would be effective.
If you think it, say it, you don’t need to tell them you think it. In the words of my boss “If you think it, just do it.”
Instead, just remove it
Example: We can implement this quickly and will be effective.
I’d like to | I’m hoping to
Example: I’d like to get together to discuss the upcoming business review.
Instead say “I’m going to…” or “Can we…?“
Example: Can we please discuss the upcoming business review?
What do you think?
Example: I’m open to any feedback, what do you think?
Instead, say what kind of feedback you want and when
Example: I’d appreciate feedback on (name of idea) portion and how you think we could best implement this. Please send me feedback by EOD Friday.
Here’s an Example of how to Write a Confident and Result-Oriented Email
Before
Hey Sarah,
I’m wanted to you to let you know we have an upcoming ask for a recruiting event. Can you send me your thoughts on what you think we should do for this? I’m thinking a Zoom event but haven’t figure out who all I need to help support this. Who do you think I should work with?
I’d like any feedback you have when you can send it over so I can start planning.
Thanks!
Alissa
After
Hi Sarah,
We have an ask for a recruiting event. What if we did a Zoom event with different locations across the country? If you like this idea, I’ll get a call scheduled with the key stakeholders across the centers.
I’d appreciate feedback on this and specifically what people you suggest I work with. Please send to me by the end of this week.
Thanks!
Alissa
Now go and confidently write that email! Eliminating those weak phrases and sharpen them with action phrases and I’ll bet you will start getting more action. Clear, concise emails will always win. In fact, if you become known for this, you’ll get better direction, feedback or action.
If you have questions, send me a confident email here!
