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Last updated on Apr 4, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Communication

Unclear email communication is delaying your project timeline. How can you fix this?

How can you enhance your email clarity? Share your strategies for fixing communication gaps.

Communication Communication

Communication

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Last updated on Apr 4, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Communication

Unclear email communication is delaying your project timeline. How can you fix this?

How can you enhance your email clarity? Share your strategies for fixing communication gaps.

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Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
14 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Rajdeep D.
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    Ah, the classic "lost in translation" trap of corporate emails — where intentions vanish faster than socks in a washing machine! To fix this, set clear email protocols: use bullet points, define action items, and highlight deadlines. Introduce subject line tags like [Action Needed], [FYI], etc. for quick scanning. Use tools like Slack or MS Teams for real-time clarifications. When in doubt, pick up the phone — old-school, but gold! As Jeff Bezos says, “Communication is a sign of dysfunction. If you need to talk about it, you probably didn’t build it right.” Build clarity into your emails.

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    Nidhhi S.

    Top Interior Design Voice in the World | Head of Interior Design @ Nidhi's Official | 22 Years Experience

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    Establishing explicit email communication rules can help to resolve delays. Use short subject lines, clarify objectives up front, and provide action items with deadlines. Use a uniform structure for changes to maintain clarity and consistency. Encourage team members to summarise significant lessons from meetings and conversations. Use technologies like shared task trackers or collaborative platforms to reduce uncertainty. Provide constructive comments on ambiguous emails to help them become more clear over time. This technique improves communication, avoids misunderstandings, and keeps the project timetable on track.

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    Contributor profile photo
    Dr(H.C) Prachetan Potadar

    "Creative Director | Writer | Advertising & PR Strategist | Founder, Stay Featured | Mentor – Crafting Stories, Building Brands, and Nurturing Insights"/Proud to be "LinkedIn Commentator "

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    Unclear emails cost teams up to 28% of their workweek in lost productivity (McKinsey). To fix this: set email norms—clear subject lines, bullet points, and defined actions. Use collaborative tools for complex threads. Clarify ambiguities with quick calls. Precision in communication accelerates execution. #ProjectManagement #EffectiveCommunication #ProductivityTip

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    Rich Gibbons

    Chief Marketing Officer for Small to Mid-Sized Home Services and Tech Firms | AI-Driven Lead Generation & Digital Growth

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    I have worked on projects that encountered this issue. To address it, I implemented careful planning, coordination, and oversight. First, I established clear communication protocols, specifying who was responsible for different communications. We also developed standard templates for emails and messages. This ensures that everyone shares the right information at the right time. In some cases, we brought in a communications specialist to oversee the process and correct any deviations. This approach proved effective, and it may be beneficial for you to consider some aspects of it.

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    Maria Kristine Villafuerte

    Accounting & Sales Support Specialist | Experienced in Invoicing, Reporting & Reconciliation| Data Entry | Digital & Social Media Marketing | Google Ads | QuickBooks | Online Tutor | Research Specialist

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    I’d clarify expectations by replying with specific questions, suggest a quick call if needed, and set a clearer format for future updates to avoid confusion.

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    Niko V. Manoukian

    Strategy → Systems → Scale

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    Start by writing shorter, clearer emails with direct subject lines. Use bullet points to highlight key tasks or deadlines. Ask for confirmation to avoid confusion. If needed, follow up with a quick call to clear things up fast.

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    Jagriti Tiwari

    Company Secretary Compliance Executive Bihar❤

    (edited)
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    Goddamn, this is so real. People especially who holds higher positions often send emails that seems robotic and assume everyone will interpret them exactly as intended. That’s not how communication works. Unclear emails always create hurdles in workflow. There’s a high chance of misinterpretation, delays, and unnecessary back-and-forth. What’s worse is when people think sending short, vague messages makes them look important or busy. Seriously? Here’s how to fix it: If you’re reaching out, make sure to clearly outline your points, queries, or expectations. Communication isn’t just a formality — it’s the foundation of good work. When everyone has a clear roadmap, half the job is already done.

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    Sarvesh Bari

    Regulatory Affair Executive

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    I organize emails with clear subject lines, bullet points, and clearly stated action items. I make sure responsibilities are clearly mentioned (e.g., Sarvesh – please finalize the draft by Monday). Every request includes a due date or timeline to avoid ambiguity. I ask for confirmations or updates when needed instead of assuming alignment.

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    Kristine Lowe

    Recruitment Coordinator @ Microsoft via Randstad

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    To fix delays caused by unclear email communication, address the issue promptly by seeking clarification through a quick call or meeting. Encourage clear, concise messaging and confirm key points in writing to avoid misunderstandings. Set expectations for communication standards, such as bullet points or summaries. Regular check-ins can also help ensure alignment and progress. Improving clarity and responsiveness will keep the project on track and reduce future delays.

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  • Contributor profile photo
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    Dr. Seema Shah

    From Overwhelmed to Empowered | Training Professionals & students to Lead Confident, Purposeful Lives

    • Report contribution

    To fix unclear email communication delaying your project, establish clear guidelines: use bullet points, define action items, set deadlines, and assign responsibilities. Encourage concise language and prompt clarifications. Follow up with summaries after meetings. This boosts clarity, accountability, and project momentum.

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