Five phrases you should never use in an e-mail

[The Buzz]

Fast Company has an interesting piece about phrases you shouldn't use in an e-mail.

Buzzy has learned from experience that there are a lot more than five that deserve to be on the list, but these are good.

http://www.fastcompany.com/3016932/l...se-in-an-email

[sweetbet]

Then there are also emails with subjects like, "You have won", "You have been chosen" or "I need your help" lol

[edgarf76]

Ouch! I say I hope all is well all of the time!

[Maria F]

Ouch! I say I hope all is well all of the time!

Me too, but I mean it Must think of a new one.

[edgarf76]

I have been trying to think of other options. I cant think of anything "friendly but business like"

Any Suggestions?

[p.arena]

Far out, I often start emails to people I haven't been in touch with for a while with 'I hope you are well' too!

I think if you're emailing a total stranger it could seem weird, but if it's someone you're reconnecting with after some time and just want to check they're ok before you start rattling off about this and that, it's just polite to start the email that way?

[edgarf76]

I always though it was polite, even when speaking with past clients or current clients. It is not too personal and it is not just business (stiff and rigid)

I disagree with that, I think it is a good way to write an email. I always start

Hi, my name is Edgar, Hope all is well. Just wanted to touch base...

Makes sense to me.

[casinovegas]

I don't really see what the problem is using hi I hope you are well in an email. Have you read the comments under the article? I see we are not alone. .....

[Betfair_Sports]

I don't really see what the problem is using hi I hope you are well in an email. Have you read the comments under the article? I see we are not alone. .....

Completely, I use this all the time with people I know well.

Jon

[clarar]

Yeah, I was thinking about the same. Its not really about knowing the person, you can wish he/she is well even though you don't know them. LOL.

Trying to be polite doesn't kill anyone and I don't think should be taken as a sign of being fake. I always wish them well and I do it cause I mean it.

[AE-Stephen]

I'm guilty of a couple of these, although they are generic I don't think I have opened up an email and been offended by any of these phrases. Usually its what comes after the introduction that will grab my attention (or not).

[Gabriel_LCP]

Far out, I often start emails to people I haven't been in touch with for a while with 'I hope you are well' too!

I think if you're emailing a total stranger it could seem weird, but if it's someone you're reconnecting with after some time and just want to check they're ok before you start rattling off about this and that, it's just polite to start the email that way?

I agree, if its for somebody who we have had some type of communication in the past then I don't see anything wrong with it, I think its totally genuine to "hope the are doing well". I definitely don't hope they are having a crappy day thats for sure!

But I will probably think twice next time I write an email and plan on putting that "hope you are well" sentence.

[ocreditor]

Its not really about knowing the person, you can wish he/she is well even though you don't know them.

Trying to be polite doesn't kill anyone and I don't think should be taken as a sign of being fake. I always wish them well and I do it cause I mean it.

I'm glad the majority of us use "I hope you are well". I also use it and I think it's polite!

Although I think the point of the article is correct - the idea is when we write to people we don't know, not to try to be to "chummy". Interesting read!

[LukeC]

I use "hope you are well" frequently... even if I don't know the person particularly well, they're a lot more likely to help/respond if they're having a good day! I think it's just an easy common courtesy though, as you can appear short otherwise.

[justbookies]

I use "hope you are well" frequently... even if I don't know the person particularly well, they're a lot more likely to help/respond if they're having a good day! I think it's just an easy common courtesy though, as you can appear short otherwise.

The greatest courtesy, Luke, is actually to reply to emails.

[xecutable]

My favorite is "If you are interested in this proposal, get back to me". So that means if I am not interested ignore the message? But then I get a 2nd a 3rd a 4th letter, asking me why I haven't gotten back to them, but yet they end again with the same phrase.

[SlotsAff]

Damn - 'I hope you're well' is commonly used though.

However, I love the ones that start with: 'Hi XXXXX, I got your details from a former colleague'

Good way to show how your details are being compromised!

[Moonsun2]

So do I, lol!

Julie

[Renee]

My favorite is "If you are interested in this proposal, get back to me". So that means if I am not interested ignore the message? But then I get a 2nd a 3rd a 4th letter, asking me why I haven't gotten back to them, but yet they end again with the same phrase.

That one annoys me to the moon and back actually.

[Nick.RevenueJet]

Dear Milk-cow

I hope nothing tragic happened in the past 2 months since the last time I tried selling you my product, otherwise this will be pretty awkward.
Do you think it's finally time for us to start working together, now that you've finished re-watching Lost, 24 and Prison Break for the 4th time?

I look forward to getting another lame excuse as to why you can't work with us in the next 3 months.
An effort to sound like I'm actually optimistic about your reply.

BR
Nick