Your! Emails! Need! Help!

Happy Monday, Corporate Sisters!

This week, we’re talking about using too many exclamation marks. I’m VERY guilty of this!! No one wants to be seen as cold, mean, or overly corporate. While they are definitely accomplishing that goal, they can also be making you seem like you’re trying too hard.

You don’t have to constantly prove that you’re chill and approachable. People know that from other interactions with you! And using solid, clear communication without all the fluff shows that you’re confident in what you’re saying.

Let’s look at these examples:

Hi! Just checking in on the doc! Let me know if you need anything!!

Hi, just checking in on the doc. Let me know if you need anything!

Taking most exclamation marks out makes you seem strong, confident, and like you mean business. It’s giving strong-woman-in-the-workplace.

I’m not saying you can’t use exclamations at all, just try and use less. I do agree that using zero exclamation marks can make you seem too robotic (because I’m also a young corporate gal). I think the corporate world could use some lightening-up. 

Here’s another trick: if you find yourself wanting to throw in an exclamation mark because the sentence feels flat, see if the words themselves can do the heavy lifting. Instead of saying “Thanks!!” maybe try “Really appreciate you jumping in on this.” It’s more mature, more specific, and doesn’t rely on punctuation to carry the tone.

Also, don’t be afraid of the period. Periods aren’t rude. Periods don’t mean you’re mad. They just mean your sentence is finished. Stop assigning vibes to basic grammar. You can sound kind and capable without! all! the! exclamations!

I challenge you to be aware of the exclamations throughout this week. Again, you don’t have to get rid of them all, but definitely drop some.

I’ll see you next week! Remember, you can either kick this week’s ass, or let it kick yours.