Digital Messaging Etiquette: Your Writing Reflects Your Professional Capability

On one occasion, a coworker told me I was exaggerating when I said internal emails were not well-formatted or written. The reality is that, in the era of remote work, we must take care of our writing and image in any digital message. You never know whose hands that message will reach and what conclusions they may draw about your ability to work. Professional communication starts with these small details.

Beyond Content: What Your Digital Message Reveals

If you do not know people well, the way they structure their professional communication is a key element in judging whether they will form an efficient team. Your impression is formed by many factors (punctuality, way of speaking, how one sits), but digital messaging etiquette (emails, Slack, WhatsApp) is a direct reflection of your mental order:

• The Subject or Topic: Does it have a clear topic, or does it get straight to the point?

• The Structure: Are paragraphs and lists used, or is it all in a dense block?

• The Tone: Does it include emojis or inappropriate jargon for a business topic?

• Clarity: Does it send too much information without a central idea or specific question?

A well-structured and clear idea in writing speaks to the clarity with which that person conveys their thoughts and, therefore, the order they have in their way of working.

Clarity vs. Ambiguity in Practice

You can detect in a piece of writing whether the sender dedicated enough time and interest to the matter, or if they did it in a rush. You can even note the seriousness of this person or their lack of responsibility.

There is a vast difference between:

Professional Option (Formal Email or Chat):

Subject: Request to Resume Pending

Topic: Client Z

Hello Juan,I ask you please if we can revisit the topic of Client Z when you have the opportunity. Please let me know your available times.

Best regards,

and:

Informal and Ineffective Option (Casual Chat or Email):

Subject: [Empty]

Hey, waz up:When r we seeing the client. Let me know cuz I wanna finish this matter already and move on to the next thing and I gotta organize my time and I need to get this done and over with.

Hugs xoxo

It is time to consider and start writing good messages. Your ability to maintain impeccable digital messaging etiquette demonstrates seriousness, responsibility, and the clarity needed to achieve goals. Your inbox (whether email or chat) is an extension of your desk: keep it clean and professional, and perfect your professional communication in every interaction.