Explaining - Do you add context/reasoning to emails?

Sometimes you send an email and get a response saying it's too cryptic. Never assume that others will understand you. When sending an email it's very important to add context and reasoning, and make yourself as clear as possible. This way anyone can understand your content at any time in the future.

It starts with a good email subject.

Don’t let people get frustrated reading your email and thinking “this email is missing the URL”. Include a link in the first line of an email to give immediate context.

Nearly every email can be enhanced by including a screenshot. Provide extra clear information by adding screenshots with useful captions.

Also make sure to always keep the history of an email, so there are enough details in the thread for anyone else to acknowledge what is going on.

❌ Figure: Bad example - There is no context or reasoning

✅ Figure: Good example - There is both context and reasoning

What if you receive a cryptic email?

The most productive way to understand a confusing email is to seek clarification with a call.

Video: Top 10+ Rules to Better Email Communication with Ulysses Maclaren