How to Politely Write an Angry Email

We’ve all been there

Maybe it was just a misunderstanding. Maybe we’ve just had a bad day. But someone said something and we are finally upset enough to tell them just what we’re thinking!

Writing an angry email can be a cathartic experience, as long as you don’t hit send. But what happens when you still need to send something, but with just the right wording? When you are frustrated, you may not be thinking straight. Normally in those times, it is good to get writing counsel from someone you trust. Maybe you have them come to your screen or maybe you send them a draft. There is a little-known feature in Google Docs that may be new to you... Building Blocks!

Building Blocks

Google Docs now contains a new type of template that is called Building Blocks. These templates are quick ways to set up a Google Doc. There are templates for Meeting Notes, Review Trackers, and one of my favorites, the Email Draft.

Open a Google Doc and click on Insert > Building Blocks > Email Draft. It will automatically bring up a template where you can start writing your draft email. It’s similar to composing a regular email. You can add people to the to: cc: or bcc: fields. Put in your subject line and then start writing away. When you are ready to get some help simply share the Doc with your email-savant friend(s) and have them work on the “polite” part.

They can edit the message like any Google Doc. They can insert comments or make changes right in the message. But here’s the best part. When you’ve finally finished editing, simply click on the blue “M” and voila–your draft is ready to send. 

Who knows, someday it might even save your job. 😁

Travis Penn

Assistant Director of Technology