– Time For A Tiara: Column by Ginna Young – - Does that read harsh to you?

– Time For A Tiara: Column by Ginna Young –

So, you got an email, now what?

Well, in this column, you’ll learn how to properly send and respond to messages, until it’s second nature. By using a few, simple tips to get started, you’ll soon navigate the world of communication like a professional.

Did you read all that in a fakey, infomercial voice? If so, good job, that what’s I intended!

But, I actually do mean all of it. It’s become more and more clear to me, that sending emails isn’t as easy as it appears. Oh, it’s not the technology side of it...I mean, if I can figure out how to work email, ANYBODY can...with maybe the exception of my mom.

Seriously, she woke me out of a sound sleep at 2 a.m., one night, to ask me to “fix” the TV. Turns out, she somehow got the remote on French. Then, when she got her first flip phone, it truthfully took me two weeks, to convince her that all she had to do to answer the phone, was open it.

Anyway, back to emails and the problems you can run into. Like I said, if you’re looking for IT help or troubleshooting, you’re barking up the wrong tree here. This is about the PERSONALITY of emails.

By that, I mean the TONE of an email. Let’s delve into this, shall we?

For example, in an email, I could say the following: I do not think we should do this.

Now, for me, there’s nothing wrong with the statement, except the punctuation and for those who don’t use commas, I don’t want any eye rolls. That’s not what I’m talking about, this isn’t a grammar lesson.

What I mean is, that email message ended with a period. So what? So what it means, at least in my mind, is that I’m mad or upset. If I sent that same message, but with either an exclamation in place of the period or a smiley face, it takes on a whole different meaning.

You’re not angry, just getting your point across. If there’s no punctuation of any kind at the end of the message, it feels very...short. I try not to send those kinds of emails, but I know I slip sometimes.

Some people make fun of me when I say this for my tone theory, but there are those who will back me up. When I receive a message, whether through email, text or Facebook, if there’s a period at the end, I’d rather eat nails than respond, because, in my head, I just know they’re mad at me for something.

What did I do? Who knows, maybe it’s just because I exist. The point is, that’s the impression I have, so if I have that impression, it stands to reason a lot of other people have that take on it, too.

Now, I don’t want to influence you to go too far, though, in your punctuation! If every sentence ends with an exclamation point, that will get annoying! See what I mean?! It’s just too much!

Feel free to use a period after each sentence, right up until the end. I usually prefer to have my message end with an exclamation point AND a smiley face, showing that I am passionate about what I’m saying, but open and friendly.

Now, let’s cover using a smiley face and not overselling it. You use that after each sentence and people will think you’re loonier than a bedbug. My apologies if there are any bedbugs reading this; it is not my intention to stereotype.

Anyway, it’s worth giving my way a shot. I’ve seen a lot of success in my career and personal life, by following my punctuation rule. I think there are a lot of people out there, who get the wrong impression through “instant” messages, instead of face-to-face talking.

This might alleviate some misunderstandings and broaden communications! At least, it can’t hurt:)