| Productivity Tip | | | | writing process, where people ramble as they |
| To clearly communicate what needs to get done, | | | | type in the hope that something will get done. |
| avoid worn-out cliches in your opening sentence. | | | | When writers learn to plan content around getting |
| | | | things done, they have no use for these worn-out |
| Readers scan most emails in 3-5 seconds looking | | | | cliches. |
| for quick answers to the questions, "How does | | | | Despite that reality, most business professionals |
| this email affect me? Do I have to do anything?" | | | | learn to use these phrases from several sources: |
| The farther the answers are from the opening | | | | 1. Following their supervisor's example. Some |
| sentence, the more difficult they are to find. So, | | | | supervisors suggest using these phrases to show |
| give readers what they want - and answer these | | | | a paper trail-a way of linking past to present. |
| questions in your opening sentence. | | | | However, this linking is preferably done in the |
| Avoid These Opening Phrases | | | | subject line. |
| Do you muddle your message by using any of | | | | 2. Taking an academic business writing class. Many |
| these stuffy, worn-out phrases in your opening | | | | writing classes teach a when in Rome, do as the |
| sentences? | | | | Romans in this regard. These teachers miss the |
| Obvious expressions such as: | | | | real purpose of these phrases-to give the writer |
| We are in receipt of your letter dated...We | | | | a starting block to begin with |
| received your letter of...Attached for your | | | | background-something the reader is not |
| reference, please find...Enclosed, please find... | | | | interested in as yet. |
| Unnecessary expressions such as: | | | | 3. Emulating what they see other people doing. |
| Per your email of...We wrote to you on...Our office | | | | Business professionals have been using these |
| would like to inform you...This email is for the | | | | phrases forever. How can so many people be so |
| purpose of...This email concerns...It has been | | | | wrong for so long? The answer again lies in the |
| brought to my attention that...In response to your | | | | Rambling Rose writing process. |
| email dated...In confirmation of our phone | | | | Before You Hit the Send Button |
| conversation...This is to verify our telephone | | | | Replace these empty platitudes (for the reader, |
| conversation of... | | | | at least!) with what needs to get done in |
| How'd We Get to This Mess | | | | paragraph one. For some of you, this will be |
| If you use these phrases, you're not alone. Far | | | | difficult-it's like saying good-bye to old friends. |
| too many people do. These phrases are nothing | | | | Think of it as opening a window for fresh air-to |
| more than starting blocks for the Rambling Rose | | | | keep your opening sentence fresh, clear and vital! |