
4. Match formality to setting
How formal you should be when you speak or write depends on the relationship you have with the recipient. You shouldn’t speak to the new president of your company in the same way you would speak to a coworker. And, when leading a meeting, you should be more formal than when having a cup of coffee with a friend in the cafeteria.
The method you use for communicating is also important. Sending an email to accept a formal dinner invitation is not appropriate, but replying by email to a casual business lunch invitation is acceptable.
Appropriate methods for communicating:
- Use email for quick, to-the-point communication, but letters for more formal writing.
- Use the telephone when a human voice will be the most convincing.
- Discuss significant matters face-to-face.