Business Email: Avoid Prolixity

Prolixity in speech or writing means using more words than necessary. If your email is a prolix, it may put off your readers. When superfluous details are included to say something or too many words are used to say something that can be said in one or two words, it leads to prolixity. Instead of writing - The project, which was discussed last month and which most did not consider feasible, has finally started and is in its first stage now, write - The project discussed last month is in its incipient stage now. Use active voice instead of passive voice. It will save you from the tendency to fall prey to prolixity. Example: It is recommended that the project should be planned before it is started by the team. We should plan the project before starting it. You will come across as more professional and the reader will take your mail seriously. Avoid those traditional sentences used for beginning a letter. This is to bring to your attention...etc. Take some time to express what you wish to say in simple declarative sentences. However, be careful about the words you choose while shortening your sentences. Don’t be too stiff. Be natural and polite in your style. Watch this video to know more about prolixity.