Before you hit send...

Before you hit “send,” “post,” or upload, delete at least one sentence. This will make your message stronger, and you will now be in a position to get a quick(er) response.

Here are some other ideas for a stronger, focused message or request:

One point per email.

Look for repetition — saying basically the same thing twice.

What is the most important message you wish to convey? Delete almost everything else; save it for the next email.

Often for me, and for others, it’s simply a matter of deleting the first sentence, because the meat of the matter — the point that really grabs the viewer and truly lays out your message — is often found in the second sentence.

Original Email

Jenny,

It was wonderful to meet you at the Amazon Arts Association conference last week. Thanks for taking the time to chat!

I went through the UNAW composition faculty list as you suggested, but unfortunately did not recognize any names. The composition department's recital series is certainly thriving, and I would be happy to connect with any one of the faculty members to see if a collaboration could be possible. Please let me know if you have further suggestions for how to move forward, and thank you for your consideration again!

I hope you had safe travels back to HA, and that you have a great rest of your week.

All best,

Anthonie

Take 2 - one sentence+ deleted. 

Jenny,

It was wonderful to meet you at the Amazon Arts Association conference last week. Thanks for taking the time to chat!

I went through the UNAW composition program faculty and events list as you suggested. The department's recital series is certainly thriving,

Are there one or two faculty members that you think I should contact first to see if a collaboration could be possible?

I appreciate your recommendation, and thank you again for your assistance.

All best,

Anthonie

 

Editing is strength.

Editing is creativity.

Editing more likely guarantees a quick(er) response.


David SrebnikComment