Put it in an Email

I have a been involved in many communication-based projects that have required input from several parties over a short turnaround period. These days, most communication takes place via email. This modern convenience is generally seen as fast, efficient and indispensable. But, from my experience, email is sometimes the worst communication tool out there. Here are my reasons and observations.
1. One of Many - Most people receive several emails throughout the day. The email you send can often be put on the back-burner if there is a more pressing or interesting one to be opened. Also, those who tend not to respond immediately to your email may forget to do so.
2. The Way We Read Email - We seem to read email messages differently than letters. We tend to scan them a little like we scan texts rather than reading them like we do letters, a newspaper or a book
3. Lack of Attention - Emails may be opened while having breakfast, chatting to a colleague, or even in traffic! The nature of the distractions the average digitally connected receiver has to negotiate are ubiquitous, and growing all the time.
4. Too Many re:re:re's - Senders do not use the subject line effectively or the actual subject of the email is not communicated in the subject line.

So here are some tips I have found to be helpful:
1. In my experience, there are good email correspondents and bad ones. If you happen to be working with a good one who reads an email properly and in its entirety; gets back to you in a timely manner, make sure you do the same - keep that channel of communication flowing.

2.Your message is more likely to be read and responded to if the subject line looks fresh and specifically relates to the nature of the email.

3. I have noticed that if I have multiple questions or require feedback on several issues, many of the points buried in the body of the email get lost. Either: try to number the points that need addressing, use a separate paragraph for each point (even if the paragraph is only one line long) or, if the receiver is a scanner and not a careful reader, send a separate email for each separate issue.

4. I am often astounded how much email communication is misread. Even when using the plainest language people misunderstand email messages. I always like to send a summary email after I get a response to ensure everyone is on the same page.

5. Please learn the difference between reply and reply to all.

Happy emailing!