6 tips to write your emails like a CEO (the email etiquette of executives)

Summary: 6 CEO-style email tips (executive email etiquette)

1. Be concise (reduce the reader’s workload)

   • Aim to make the email easier and faster to process—show empathy for the recipient’s time and energy.
   • Use clarity over “brain-dump” length.
   • Write fewer words while keeping the meaning (the “shorter letter” idea).
   • Actionable edits:
     • Avoid overqualifiers: “I strongly recommend” → “I recommend”
     • Remove excess words that don’t add value
     • Remove filler words (e.g., “just”)
     • Cut unnecessary phrases (e.g., skip “I’m sorry to bother you”)

2. Be direct, but still respectful

   • Use active voice and confident wording (directness doesn’t have to be harsh).
   • Consider tone to prevent misinterpretation:
     • Some CEOs omit greetings/salutations, but you can still add at least:
       • A simple “Hi”
       • A thank you/sign-off
   • Strengthen requests with action-oriented verbs:
     • Prefer “I recommend” / “I propose” over softer phrasing

3. Lead with the “hook”

   • Don’t bury the main point—make the intention clear immediately.
   • Improve subject lines and email openers with predictable structure:
     • If action is required: “Action required: [what]”
     • If it’s a request: “Request: [what]”

4. Sequence your points for easy reference

   • Use numbered points (instead of messy dot points) to keep the email chain easy to follow.
   • When responding in threads, reference “Point #2” to stay organized and actionable.

5. Structure for skimming + do a visual edit

   • After writing, don’t immediately hit send—edit with format in mind.
   • Check for skimmability:
     • Proper use of numbering/dot points
     • Clear headings/subtitles
     • Use bold/italics selectively to clarify key sections (avoid overuse that could change tone)
   • Make referenced information easy to find:
     • Add links where appropriate
   • Do a final pass to remove any excess words again.

6. End with clear next steps and a call to action (CTA)

   • Reconfirm what you want the recipient to do.
   • Don’t assume your intent is obvious—CTAs help comprehension.
   • Include timing when relevant:
     • Add a reasonable deadline (e.g., “by end of week”)
     • If no urgency, clearly say it to reduce recipient pressure

Presenters / sources

• Presenter: The video speaker (unnamed in the provided subtitles).
• Source/s cited: “famous saying” — “I would have written a shorter letter if I had more time.”
• Research mentioned: Email workload stats (average emails per worker per day; time spent on email), but the specific study/source is not named in the subtitles.