2 Never respond to email messages when you’re angry

Unlike a heated verbal exchange, angry words in an email message remain to be mulled over, read by others and possibly used against you. Messages sent in the heat of the moment generally only exacerbate the situation and are usually regretted later. Wait until you have simmered down before clicking on the send button. Or put your inflammatory message in your draft folder. Then go and take a cold shower, have a massage, picture a beautiful idyllic scene, eat that “forbidden” chocolate and then review the situation. Pick up the phone, dial the number of the person you were about to harangue and imagine that they have transformed into the most beautiful, loving, and kind person in the whole world (probably your spouse, significant other, pet cat -or all three)

3 Don’t hide behind email

It can be tempting to use email instead of facing people when you have something difficult or unpleasant to say. For example the person who sits right next to you and continually “borrows” your stapler or hums ABBA songs. When you’re in this situation go and talk to them- they’re probably unaware that their inadvertent use of your stapler or humming is causing you a nervous breakdown. They’ll probably surprise you with your minor irritations – “Well! You keep taking my biro and I hate that poster of Kylie Minogue.” And then you remember that they never admired your photo of “ Fifi” or thanked you for sharing your Valentine’s Day chocolates – it goes on and on. Imagine saying all of this in an email exchange. It’s so easy to get caught up in the “flame” war. Just go and tell them that they’re giving you the proverbial and you’ll end up having a good laugh at each other’s pettiness - (Disclaimer - no liability accepted if it doesn’t work).

4 Don’t shout –avoid using all Uppercase

ALL CAPS IS CONSIDERED SHOUTING

In online communication uppercase indicates shouting. But that’s not the only reason to avoid uppercase - UPPERCASE is harder to read than lower or title case.

SO DON’T USE ALL UPPERCASE!
(Editor - not really shouting but having a meltdown)

5 Be careful when using humour and avoid sarcasm

Text is unable to depict your tone. Email messages don’t have voice inflections, tone or hand gestures to give the reader hints about their true meaning. Without face to face communication, your comments may be misinterpreted. This can lead to misunderstandings, especially as people tend to dash off replies without taking the care they do with a letter.