|
| |
Television and Radio Producers' Reference
I've enjoyed outstanding reviews for bringing fresh wisdom and wit in answers radio and television audiences love. Perhaps your audience would be interested in hearing some of my "pithy," "excellent," and "knowledgeable" takes on one of these subjects::
Topic #1: Is your employer watching your E-mail?
Talking Points
1. Your personal E-mails written at work can be read by your employer. The courts have usually found in favor of the employer owning E-mails sent from the workplace.
2. Personal E-mails written anywhere are not private. This is a very public forum, and as yet messages are not encrypted but float forever in cyberspace.
3. Know and follow your organization's rules for E-mail use. Every organization should establish rules, and make those rules known to all employees.
4. Never violate someone's copyright by cutting-and-pasting from his/her E-mail to send to someone else. You must have permission to use parts or all of someone else's
E-mail. The same rule applies to forwarding someone else's E-mail.
5. Follow my 10 Golden Rules of E-mail, to stay out of E-mail interpersonal conflicts. Recognize when a message requires a human moment, and therefore a face-to-face meeting. Understand the communication bandwidth, and where E-mail fits. Follow my rules of Netiquette.
Topic #2: Become an E-mail Genius (and avoid being labeled an E-mail Jerk)!
Talking Points
1. First take the E-mail Genius Quiz. Answer these questions. True or false?
* E-mail is a great substitute for a face-to-face meeting; so, if I don't want to have one, I can E-mail.
* If I wouldn't say it in person, I can E-mail it.
* E-mail's best feature is the ability to cut-and-paste and forward messages I get from other people. Or, to forward jokes and files.
* It's best to use instant E-mail when I need an instant answer.
If you answered TRUE to any of these, you'll want to hear my instructions on how you can get into the Genius category. I'll explain why these practices are not only rude, but also can brand you as a E-Jerk.
2. When should you E-mail, when should you phone, when should you voice mail, and when should you send a letter? Understand where E-mail comes in the communication bandwidth. E-mail is good for distanced business associates; and to give information or ask a question when you don't need an immediate response.
3. When shouldn't you use E-mail? Personal issues shouldn't be the subjects of E-mails. Don't use E-mails when you need that human moment. Don't use E-mail for messages with lots of emotional content.
4. Here's how to make your E-mail effective. Be brief without being abrupt. Keep messages to one subject, and one screen. Make sure the subject line is precise and complete. Follow the sender's style. Check content, spelling, and punctuation before hitting the send button.
5. Avoid mistakes, faux pas, and minefields. Sarcasm and humor aren't wise choices. Acronyms should be used with caution, and emoticons should be avoided.
Topic #3: How do you write a complaint letter that gets the action you want?
Talking Points
1. First, no one ever deposited a pound of satisfaction in his/her bank account, so step one is vent, then calm down. Now, take a deep breath, and follow these the next simple steps.
2. Decide what will make you "whole." It's important to be reasonable, and to make your request consistent with your loss.
3. Gather your ammunition. Record all the facts in detail. Take photographs, get the names and contact information of witnesses, and note times and places.
4. Make your complaint to the person with the power to say, "Yes, I'll make things right." Address your complaint to him or her. This should be a real person, and not a title. Remember, in large organizations things move better from top to bottom. Expect the reader will want to make things right. Give him the facts.
5. Be sure to include a timeframe for action. Tell him what you want and when you want it. Be sure to cc: the watchdogs.
Topic #4: How and what do you write to a friend or co-worker going through bad times?
Talking Points
1. Write as soon as you hear and have confirmed the bad news; but if time since the loss has lapsed, write anyway.
2. Open with a simple, strong sentence expressing how sorry you are, naming the person, loss, or event you're writing about: "I was so sorry to hear that you lost your dear Harry, and my thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow;" or, "I was sorry to hear you are no longer director of operations."
3. Relate a fond memory in the case of a deceased person, if possible.
4. Offer specific help: "May I take over the Adams project until you get back to the office? I'll call on Thursday, to see that would be helpful, and if you have any special instructions."
5. Close on a warm note.
Here are some other topics Sandra is prepared to talk about:
T: Why don't people RSVP? What should I do?
T: No one writes thank yous anymore. Why should I?
T: How can I teach my child to write thank yous?
T: How do I put real power in my resume?
T: How do I keep negativity out of my bad news letter?
T: How do I write an attention-getting resume cover letter?
T: How do I say I'm sorry in writing?
T: How do I write a red-hot love letter?
T: How do I get my story in the media?
T: How to I write a direct mail piece that gets results?
To Contact Me
Or, I'll address scores of other communication topics and questions you and your audience may have from my book, How to Write It A Complete Guide for Everything You'll Ever Write (Ten Speed Press) and Personal Notes How to Write from the Heart for Any Occasion (St. Martin's Press). E-mail Sandra at sandralamb@sandralamb.com.
|
