Apply NoHello principles to email for clearer, more effective professional and personal communication.
Let people know you practice NoHello by adding this to your email signature:
Your subject line IS your NoHello. It should tell the recipient exactly what you need and the urgency level.
[Action/Type]: [Specific topic] [by when]
Examples: "Review: API docs by Wed", "FYI: Server maintenance tonight", "Decision needed: Budget allocation"
High Priority: Keep urgent emails under 100 words
Normal: Most emails should be under 200 words
Detailed: Complex topics can be longer but use formatting
Many people read emails on mobile. Front-load the important information in the first 2-3 lines.
In business emails, context is king. Include background, specific asks, and deadlines.
Include agenda, duration, and preparation requirements upfront.
Even personal emails benefit from clear subject lines and context, especially for requests or planning.
You can be warm and personal while still being direct and clear about what you need.
Add warmth with genuine interest: "Hope you're doing well!" but follow immediately with your request or update.
In the first line, clarify who needs to do what: "Action needed from: John, Sarah. FYI for everyone else."
Set clear expectations about when you need a response.
Clear subject lines help recipients prioritize and batch process emails
Descriptive subjects and content make emails easier to find later
Front-loaded information works better on mobile email apps