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Early for April Fool’s Day

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Lynn Gaertner-Johnston Updated on

Last night I sent a brief message to my husband, asking him to review a draft web page. As usual in a message to him, I did not include his name at the top, and I added xxoo above my signature. (Translation of xxoo: kiss, kiss, hug, hug.)

Well, I thought I sent it to my husband. I actually sent it to our new web designer.

She replied with this message: I’m thinking you didn’t mean to send this to me 🙂

Ha! No, I meant to write to Michael, not Margery. Usually when I type "M" for an outgoing message in Outlook, Michael’s address comes up. Not this time.

Later I got another nice message from Margery:

I know we’re getting along famously, but I thought that was especially friendly! Cracked me right up.

Did you crack up  anyone with an April Fool’s Day email? I did–just a day early.

Lynn
Syntax Training

Posted by Lynn Gaertner Johnson
By Lynn Gaertner-Johnston

Lynn Gaertner-Johnston has helped thousands of employees and managers improve their business writing skills and confidence through her company, Syntax Training. In her corporate training career of more than 20 years, she has worked with executives, engineers, scientists, sales staff, and many other professionals, helping them get their messages across with clarity and tact.

A gifted teacher, Lynn has led writing classes at more than 100 companies and organizations such as MasterCard, Microsoft, Boeing, Nintendo, REI, AARP, Ledcor, and Kaiser Permanente. Near her home in Seattle, Washington, she has taught managerial communications in the MBA programs of the University of Washington and UW Bothell. She has created a communications course, Business Writing That Builds Relationships, and provides the curriculum at no cost to college instructors.

A recognized expert in business writing etiquette, Lynn has been quoted in "The Wall Street Journal," "The Atlantic," "Vanity Fair," and other media.

Lynn sharpened her business writing skills at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a master's degree in communication, and at Bradley University, with a bachelor's degree in English. She grew up in suburban Chicago, Illinois.

3 comments on “Early for April Fool’s Day”

  • Really interesing!
    And I find your blog is very helpful for people like me, who lives in non English speaking country but works for American company, writing correctly and gracefully is of great important; Thanks!Lynn!

  • I love it! It’s funny!
    I’m Japanese, and i’m not good at writing, but your blog’s helping me a lot.
    It’s good for improving my reading skills, too.
    Thank you!

  • Hi, Zhi and Mimi. I am glad you are enjoying the blog and finding it useful.

    Good luck with your business English!

Comments are closed.

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