Students know what it’s like: You spend hours crafting the perfect email, and then you get nothing. You check your phone, laptop, or desktop every few minutes, then refresh and refresh. We feel it. Here are three common reasons for this and some suggestions for how to respond. Sometimes, the language can help. These can be adjusted to suit your style and the situation.
Inappropriate or untimely request
Thank you for your email. However, this is not my area of expertise or interest. I hope you find someone to help.
Thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately, I’m not the right person to handle this because . .
This sounds like a great idea. However, I am fully committed at the moment. All the best with your project.
Is it possible to put off this until September, when I will have more time for this?
Obvious or Annoying Question
Could I suggest you to look at the policy?
I don’t think I understand your question. Please clarify my understanding.
This was something we covered when we spoke on Thursday. I don’t know how to express my thoughts on this.
I am forwarding your email address to. . . Who can answer your question better?
Overwhelming Question or Request
This is a lot! We could schedule a call to discuss.
I have difficulty understanding all of this. Please send me a few bullets so I can respond.
Your question can be answered in a few words: . . Please let me know if you have any questions.
Some of these questions I can answer . . If you have any other questions, please visit. . .
All of these responses require some engagement. However, we respond to emails for respect, education, and reciprocity. I believe that responding is the right thing to do. A short response is all that is required to be good corporate citizens.
Questions for Class Discussion
Have you ever sent an email and it was not answered? What made you feel when the person didn’t reply? What could you have done differently to get a reply?
Have you ever ignored an email? Why didn’t your reply come back?
Do you agree that responding is the right thing to do? Why or why?
Is it ever acceptable to ignore an email, if at all?
