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Ease Into the Nice and Easy Style

There are those people with whom we work who are feeling-oriented folks who will take the time to chat about casual topics both on- and offline. Building rapport and team problem-solving are high on their list of workplace priorities. As writers, their style can best be described as Nice and Easy. They take a personal and friendly approach to e-mail by:

• Expressing their feelings.

• Using inspirational quotes.

• Using conversational language.

• Inviting feedback and discussion.

• Writing in description and detail.

Consider this typical Nice and Easy–style e-mail.

Subject: Holiday Client Gifts
From: Candy Candycane
Date: November 20th
To: Sales Team

Dear Sales Team:

Well, the holidays are just around the corner! I know many of you have been thinking about the holiday gifts you might give to your clients this year. Sadly, I have a few concerns I want to share with you regarding this.

First, let me say that our clients are the greatest group of people in the world. But as you know with the budget cuts this year, I fear we just won‘t have the resources to send out gifts. I worry about where to draw the line and hurting certain clients’ feelings.

I want to hear from each and every one of you regarding your feelings on this matter. I am quite certain that together, as a team, we will solve this problem.

Just remember, within every problem lies an opportunity.

The best way to respond to this style is to:

• Use a friendly and upbeat tone.

• Start with a personal greeting upfront.

• Use feeling language.

• Make suggestions rather than demands.

Consider this response to a Nice and Easy-type e-mail.

From: Tina Tiny
Subject: Holiday Client Gifts
Date: November 21
To: Candy Candycane

Dear Candy:

Thanks for your great e-mail about the upcoming hoiday season.

I share your feelings and want to make things the best they can be for our wonderful clients.

My suggestion is that we have a morning meeting next week to come up with a list of the clients to whom we feel it would be most important to give gifts this season. If you agree, I’ll bring the coffee and cookies!

Let me know what you think, and thanks again.