Before, I begin with this article, let me clarify a few things.
- I am not a Grammar- Nazi.
- I do not believe, that only if you know English, you will be successful in life.
These days I have been sending more work related emails, than before and this article is based on my observation on the use of language, while communicating with my peers. During our school days, irrespective of the language of instruction, there are a few basic language rules that we were taught, like parts of the speech and punctuation, which are essential for any written communication. Since, the early 2000’s, there has been a trend of using slang language and SMS language as it was known then in our daily communication.
Coming, down to the main topic, hereunder are a few things, that irritate me to no next and are an absolute disaster, if you follow the same during written communication.
Using ! an Apostrophy mark.
How many times, did we learn during our school days, that an Apostrophy mark is used to express a surprise. I really do not understand, if people have forgotten their basic grammar or are just living in another world. I get atleast 2 emails in a day, wherein the person has ended the sentence using an Apostrophy mark instead of a full stop. I have also got emails, wherein people have written PFA attached ABC File !.
The impression that I get, when a person uses an Apostrophy mark is that the person has a loud dominant personality, who lacks basic humility. Too much of Apostrophy mark, will definately lead you to the Exit, sooner than you expect.
Emails without a covering letter or a subject matter and emails without a proper subject.
Emails need to written in a professional manner. Remember the person you are communicating with may be receiving around 100s of emails. If your email does not contain the subject matter, the chances are that the same will end up in the trash bin of that person. You need not write your entire history in the email. But if you are applying for a job or if it is the first time that you are formally interacting with the person, then it is suggested that you may introduce your self briefly and state the reason for sending the email in the body of the email. Majority of the emails that I have received for job applications do not have either the subject or the body of the email. They just randomly send attachments. aa
3. Using OK and Hmm.
Using K, Ok, Hmm in a conversation only reflects how lazy you are. It is absolutely ok to use these words, when you are having a general conversation with your friends. But if you are having a formal conversation over whatsapp or on any of the professional social media network, then it is better to avoid using these words, especially if you are talking to any senior. It is somehow reflects, your laziness and disrespect to me atleast. Sometimes, in the long run, what the front person thinks about you also matters a lot.
4. Talking too much about your personal life., when someone barely knows you.
This problem has been faced by a lot of professionals. Even recently, a writer friend of mine had posted on her Facebook wall about how, she had accepted the friend request of a person, just because he wanted some tips with respect to enhancing his writing skills. Being a nice person, she accepted the same and helped him with some tips. Within a few days he just started bombarding her with his Girlfriend problems. Please understand somebody may offer you professional advice sparring some time, kindly learn to respect the same.
Asking for personal contact details.
If you are approaching a professional on Linkedin. Make some efforts to check their professional background. They may have also mentioned their professional email. Until and unless there is no do or die situation, refrain from asking personal whatsapp numbers to send good morning messages or emails to send some random messages. Do not just send any message to any random person.
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