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Send Messages That Get Read and Get Results
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Do your emails get the attention and rapid response they deserve? Here’s how to make sure people read and answer your messages while they’re still fresh:
Grab them with your subject. The subject line should read like a compelling newspaper headline. One technique: Use the subject line to tell people what you want up front:“Please come to the 3 p.m. meeting,” for example, or “Do you have the Jones file?”
Limit yourself to one subject per message. Don’t overload readers with questions and data. Single-topic emails are easier to answer than lengthy essays or questionnaires.
Ask for action. Tell the reader what you need him or her to do—present a report at the 3 o’clock meeting, or bring the Jones file to your office. Specify whether you want a response to your email. If it’s not necessary, tell them.
Be consistent. Tracking emails is easier when you keep the same subject line.
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