Should You Stop Using Exclamation Points in Your Email?

Almost three years ago, The Wall Street Journal published an article on how the exclamation point takes over work emails. Do you ever feel like you are using too many exclamation points in your work emails? Most of us use it to sound friendly or upbeat. But, at the same time, we also want to sound professional and ensure our message is clear. 

It's not easy to express attitude and gage them through email. This is why some people are worried about the usage of the exclamation point in text-based communication. The lack of nuance makes us dizzy. 

For example, do you feel like someone is angry or displeased at you because they did not use any exclamation points? Do you feel that there is a difference between "looking forward to hearing from you" and "looking forward to hearing from you!"?

Maybe what we need is to stop using exclamation points altogether. These are the reasons why you should free yourself from this weirdly inconsequential issue:

 

Why you should stop using exclamation points:

 

1. It is inefficient. 

Punctuation at the end of your sentence does not have to be troublesome. Most of your work-related sentences end with a period, so why not do the same with emails? If you simply use a period and move on (instead of overthinking), you could have responded to two more emails by now. 

If you feel overwhelmed by the number of emails you receive, this method is an easy way to gain back some of your time. You will also help others to be more efficient. When you use exclamation points sparingly, you enable them to focus on the message instead of your tone. 

 

2. People need to know when you mean it.

When you overuse exclamation points, they lose their impact. It's how this issue started: the overusing of exclamation points became the norm that distorted the standard people expect.

It does not mean you're rude when you end a sentence with a period, it just means you're writing correctly. 

 

3. It's liberating.

It sounds silly, but overthinking punctuation is an emotional burden, both on yourself and your reader. If you use exclamation points only when you're genuinely exclaiming something, you will not need to fret as much about how you come across in emails. 

 

How do you solve the issue of overusing the exclamation points? Here are some tips.

 

How to stop using exclamation points:

1. Be consistent.

From the start, use exclamation points sparingly. People always notice the change in the rate of use. So if you don't use many exclamation points from the beginning, you have set a solid precedent. No one will think about your change in tone if you always sound the same. 

If you're already a fan of overusing exclamation points, it is best to quit cold turkey. People might find it awkward for a short while, but they will quickly adjust. 

 

2. Regularly use proper grammar.

Proper grammar improves clarity, so people get the message precisely as you intended. When you use proper grammar, it will make your sparse use of exclamations seem right in line with your usual tone. 

 

3. Don't substitute one problem with another.

If you want to stop using too many exclamation points, you should not switch it with an emoji. Instead, you will just create the same expectation through another mechanism. 

Resist the urge to "soften" your message with a winky face. Say what you mean and get over with it. 

 

4. Show your gratitude vocally.

In most cases, email is not the only form of communication between colleagues. For example, you can call them or have a video call to express gratitude for their work. It will reassure them that an exclamation-less email does not mean that you are angry. 

 

To most people, the issue of the exclamation points in work emails seems ridiculous. However, it is a real issue for many people. People are unsure of how to convey "positivity" other than the exclamation point. This article assures them that it a manageable issue.

 

Source: Inc.

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