Before you hit send, imagine saying it face-to-face.

This simple question can revolutionize your communication, especially in business. Think about it: how often do you send emails you'd never say out loud? Probably more often than you realize. This simple act of pausing before sending can prevent miscommunication, protect your relationships, and ultimately make you more successful.

This isn't just about being polite. It's about being effective. Consider the different ways emails and face-to-face conversations work. In an email, your tone can easily be misconstrued. Sarcasm can go terribly wrong. A simple sentence can feel sharp and critical. Face-to-face conversations allow you to see someone's reaction. You can adjust your tone, explain nuances, and build better relationships.

Let's break down how to apply this idea in several areas of business and personal finance:

1. Negotiating Deals:

Imagine negotiating a deal via email. You might write a sentence like, "Your offer is completely unacceptable." Would you say that to the person directly? Likely not. Instead, consider softening the approach: "I appreciate your offer. Let's explore some alternative ways to structure this to meet both our needs." This simple rephrase conveys firmness without being offensive.

2. Managing Your Team:

Giving feedback via email can be tricky. If you have to critique someone's work, imagine telling them face-to-face. Your email would change from harsh criticism to a constructive suggestion.

Instead of writing, "This is completely unacceptable and shows your lack of understanding." you would say "I think we can make some adjustments here to improve the project. Could we look at this together and find a solution?"

3. Communicating with Clients:

The same applies to client communication. Would you send an email saying, "I'm extremely busy and your issues aren't my priority right now?" Definitely not! Your client needs a compassionate and understanding approach, one where they feel heard. The way to communicate this effectively would be something like: "I understand this issue is causing some difficulties. I'll be sure to assist you as quickly as I can."

4. Side Hustles and Building Your Business:

If you're starting a side hustle, consider how you approach potential customers. The emails you send shouldn't feel robotic. They should be crafted as if you're talking to someone in person. That personal touch matters and reflects professionalism.

5. Making Money Online:

Building an online presence is all about connection. How many people connect with cold, impersonal emails? Not many! Write your marketing emails as if you're having a real conversation, providing genuine help. If you were in the same room, what would you do to build that trust? Mimic that tone in your email writing.

Addressing Objections:

You might think: "This takes too much time." Yes, crafting the perfect email requires more thought than typing quickly. But think about the potential issues caused by poorly-worded emails. Fixing those issues may take even more time! And worse than the time is the damaged relationships that result from poorly worded emails.

Some might object that this approach makes emails feel less direct. This depends entirely on your intent. It does not need to weaken your statements, just soften them, and convey professionalism.

Conclusion:

This seemingly small change to your communication style—imagining yourself face-to-face before sending an email—can greatly impact your work and business dealings. This is about protecting your relationships and being effective in the way you deliver messages. You build credibility and foster trust by communicating effectively. The benefits—strengthened business relationships, smoother negotiations, increased respect from your clients and colleagues—are well worth the effort. Make the simple act of self-questioning a habit. Ask yourself: "Could we ask ourselves if this email would feel okay to say in person before hitting send?" You'll quickly notice how this shifts your communication from terse and impersonal to warm and effective.