The same facts can sound helpful or harsh.
Direct answer
Tone is how your message sounds to the reader. To keep it clear and kind, greet people, say please and thanks, be specific rather than blunt and read your message from the reader's point of view before sending.
Examples
| Harsh | Friendly and clear |
|---|---|
| Send it now. | Could you send it by 3pm today? Thanks. |
| You did this wrong. | I noticed the figures differ from the template. Could we check them together? |
| Why was this late? | Can you help me understand what delayed this, so we can plan better? |
Tips
- Match the formality to the reader.
- Be direct without being sharp.
- Avoid sarcasm in text.
- Read it aloud.
Where Teyro fits
Teyro's Clear Writing at Work course turns this into short lessons you can play in a few minutes a day. It has 50 lessons, and you can start free.
The bottom line
Be clear about the ask and kind about the delivery.
