Every now and again, I’ll receive one of those emails that makes me say: “Huh?” My face contorts into an expression of massive confusion, and I’m left not quite sure what to respond. I can tell from the length or the content of the email that a response is needed, but something about the message has made even getting started on a response a huge headache.
For those days where you’re faced with a similar conundrum, here’s my advice: Do not engage the nonsensical email, and throw it back in the other person’s court instead.
To help you out, I’ve compiled my suggested responses to the four most common types of confusing emails I receive.
1. The rambling non-ask
This type of email is the worst offender. Usually quite long, with a lot of detail, the rambling non-ask email is often unstructured — and unclear as to what the sender is really after. You re-read it then re-read it again after you’ve had some coffee, and realize that it’s not your fuzzy brain — it’s some seriously fuzzy communication.
Your response
Thanks so much for your email, [name]. There’s a lot to think about here. In the interest of getting back to you promptly, could you help me understand exactly what you’d like me to assist with?
Dispatches From The Front 