In order for workplace communication to be effective, it must be healthy both vertically and horizontally. The best way to communicate any message is in person. However, since in-person presentations are not always feasible and not necessary for every issue, you can take advantage of other available avenues. E-mail is a valuable element of the workplace that has quickly changed the way the entire world does business. Interoffice memos are sent regularly, and virtual offices have sprung up by the thousands

E-mail is a great way to communicate with people. It can also be dangerous. Make sure you convey what you intend, in as few words and as straight to the point as possible. Horror stories have surfaced as a result of poor usage. The entire Internet is paved with possibilities, but full of potholes. E-mail becomes one of the potholes when used incorrectly.

Here are some tips that can help insure the communication is effective:

• Keep in mind that receivers can't hear the tone, inflection, or any type of meaning in your words. What you intend to be humorous may come across as offensive; serious comments may be brushed aside; compliments may seem like complaints.

• Using ALL CAPS is the equivalent of shouting at someone when talking in person. When I receive such a message (which is often in bold), I feel like someone is either preaching to me, being discourteous or simply doesn't know much about e-mail.

• Use the blind copy (bcc) rather than the regular copy (cc) unless there's some reason for the receiver to see the names and e-mail addresses of others to whom the message is sent. If there is no reason, then you need to protect the privacy of others. Improper copying also takes up space - sometimes a lot of space.

• Re-format messages that you forward to others. Receiving disoriented messages full of >>> makes them harder to read and, again, takes up space. The little time demanded in order to remove the >>> with a word processing function will lead to easier reading and greater respect from your recipients.

• Count to more than 10 before dashing off a message with strong emotions. If you are responding to an e-mail or some other situation, e-mail's speed can become a pothole. “Quick trigger” messages have caused hard feelings and broken relationships.

• Change the “subject” line when the topic has changed. Often, after several e-mail exchanges, the topic moved from the original subject. It is easier to keep track of incoming mail if the subject line has been changed to reflect the new subject.

• Don’t expect an immediate reply unless the receiver knows you want it. The receiver could be unavailable. Also, some people check e-mail infrequently. If you’re out of the office, an auto-responder can be used to inform others you will get back to them.

• Delete trailing messages. Many e-mail programs automatically include the message to which you are replying. But if that was a reply, then your previous message trails below it, and below it is the previous message, and so on. Erasing all but the last message is usually more efficient.

• Don’t forward messages just because someone asks you to. I don’t know how many times I have received an "important" chain letter only to be notified later to disregard it because it turned out to be a hoax. Use your own judgment in forwarding inspirational or humorous messages."