Electronic communications — email, text, instant messaging, forums, blog comments, and social network status updates — has become a mainstream form of communication. No longer are the days where people actually have a conversation over the phone. Instead, you see people everywhere with their heads down and fingers rapidly tapping on keyboards or touchscreens. In some business and social environments, this has become a preferred method of communication.

However, what people don’t realize is that it is exceptionally easy to come off as arrogant or condescending. Here are some things to remember when writing emails and text messages:

1) Remain objective

Detach all personal feelings. How you’re message is going to ‘sound’ is dependent upon the recipient’s mood and current state of mind. If you feel like your message is emotionally charged, the best thing to do is stop and come back to it later.

2) K.I.S.S – Keep it short & simple

Ever receive the text message that is broken up into 4 different texts because it is so long? Or what about the 4-page email? Forget it… Trim the fat off of your messages and keep things simple. In business-related messages, refrain from using industry-specific terms that people may not understand. Instead, explain things in a manner that best suits your audience.

3) Turn off your caps lock

Whether you’re making a point or looking to emphasize something, avoid writing in all caps. It not only makes things difficult to read but makes it seem like you’re shouting.

4) Sign-off properly

Always sign off your messages with some kind of “Thanks” or “Best Regards”.

5) Leave no room for misinterpretation

The  lack of visual cues makes it easy to misinterpret something, regardless of how many smiley-face emoticons one may use. If you feel like something may be taken the wrong way, remove it completely.

6) If you’re unsure, read it out loud.

If you’re really unsure of how your message may sound to someone, read it out loud to yourself. If possible, get someone else to read it to you.