I bet you that at some point you will have used one these phrases in an email that I’m about to mention. I have done. Emails are one of the biggest communication tools we use to talk with clients, and some phrases can be so easy misconceived.
Here’s just a few phrases you need to stop using now, and why.
Sorry To Bother You
When sending an email, you aren’t bothering someone. You aren’t jumping into the middle of a conversation they are in, or pulling them out of a meeting. They can read and reply to emails in their own time, so it should be no bother.
To Be Honest With You
This is just a way to make a more blunt statement come across less so. However, this can end up coming across that you may have not been honest in the past. Just try and avoid blunt statements and give good reasoning for your choice.
You Should…
When sat down with someone working on a project, and pointing out here and there where they should put things or change things is fine. But, when it comes to emails, telling someone what they should or shouldn’t do, can come across pushy.
I’ll Try To…
Instantly this is showing a lack in confidence, as if you aren’t really sure what you’re doing. This won’t look very professional. You’re the professional and should have confidence in what you do, if you aren’t completely sure what you’re doing, don’t worry your client and find the solution instead.
Please Don’t Hesitate To Contact Me.
Should your client be feeling hesitant in the first place? Instead of this phrase, opt for ‘feel free to give me a call or drop me a message’, this will make them feel more relaxed and positive.
This Might Be A Stupid Question But…
Have you ever heard of the phrase, ‘No question is a stupid question.’? Well that answers this one. When asking your client a question, there’s probably a good reason to be asking it. Just ask them the question you want an answer too, don’t feel stupid or hesitant.
Does This Make Sense?
If you think you’ve written your email in a way that won’t make sense to the client, then re-read it and make sense of it. There’s no point in sending an email that might make no sense to them. If they are unsure of something you’ve said, then they will mostly likely ask you. Perhaps you can ask someone in your office if they can proofread it if you aren’t sure.