How does someone's writing style impact how they communicate?
The Challenge
Think of three individuals you have emailed in the past who have different writing styles (e.g., direct, analytical, detailed). How do these styles impact how they like to receive communications?
Why do this?
Be thoughtful about your writing style and how it will be received by others. Even for something as simple as an email message, being able to write clearly will greatly improve your overall communication with that person. For example, if you are emailing someone who prefers to only hear the bottom line, think of the impact you could have simply by putting the question you have for that person in bold text, in order to make it stand out from the other contextual information you are sharing with them. Through this simple act, you've clarified exactly what you need from them, saved them time by directing their attention to the most important sentence, and demonstrated empathy by understanding and using their preferred communication style.
Practicing clear communication by considering the individual style of the person you are communicating with can help you build rapport with them, and even earn their respect.
What’s next?
Locate and review the last email you sent to each of the three individuals you identified. Did your emails consider their frame of reference for how they like to receive and/or process information? Could the messages you sent have been clearer? For each of the three emails, write down one way you could have better tailored your message to that individual.
