The telework era is one where those who struggle with writing won't survive.

"Times change in the blink of an eye"

...was a famous catchphrase, but the telework era has truly arrived overnight. Even when society stabilizes, this change won't reverse. Our work style will shift to one built around telework.

In the era of telework, written communication becomes more important than spoken communication. I'm sure everyone reading this article has keenly felt the dramatic increase in interactions via email, Teams, and Slack.

Amidst this,

While there are various troublesome aspects, we would appreciate it if you could review and consider our request for consultation.

When you receive rambling messages like this, it immediately lowers productivity, doesn't it?

Even in presentations, the approach of "explaining details verbally" no longer works. I myself have experienced presentations where I emailed the proposal to the client and received feedback via email.

We cultivate impactful momentum through innovative concepts and ideas.

A proposal like that would likely end with "Huh? What?"

Video conferences are no different. You can't read the other person's facial expressions or sense the room's atmosphere during a video call. It demands a written-language mindset: logically structuring your intentions and the flow of discussion.

Exactly. Telework is the era of written language. You need to write short, concise sentences that won't get buried in a flood of emails and attachments.

I call the skill needed for this "word dieting."

How should we write in the telework era? Here's an excerpt from the book.

"Short is Justice"

Whether it's an email or a proposal, "short is king" is the iron rule. It seems obvious, but unless you're very conscious of it, writing tends to become unnecessarily long.

In emails, we tend to pile on words out of consideration for the recipient. In proposals, a certain spirit of service leads us to pack in information, only to realize we've created a 100-page masterpiece. Always keep "short is best" in the back of your mind.

Avoid sending "submissive" emails

I would be grateful if we could discuss incorporating the consolidated feedback we discussed during our meeting.

...I've really been getting more and more of these creepy emails.

I call this style of language not "honorific speech" but "submissive language." It stems from an excessive fear of being disliked, causing the submissiveness to take center stage. To put it bluntly, it's self-preservation. Submissive people are never respected or trusted.

When writing emails or chat messages, prioritize getting your point across over worrying about being disliked. Especially when the content is difficult to convey, keeping your message concise is the true sign of respect for the other person.

Specifically:

・Avoid "させていただきます." Replace it with "いたします."

• Example: "I will confirm" → "I will confirm."

・Avoid using "o" (e.g., "o-sasete itadakimas

• Example: お戻し → 戻し
• Example: お打ち合わせ → 打ち合わせ
• Example: おまとめ → まとめ

...Let's be mindful of these points.

Forget "proposal document literature"

You know that proposal-like writing style?

To cultivate the target's interest, we drive engagement with a solution that delivers a shocking impact.

...That sort of thing.

In business, writing in a style appropriate for business is necessary. However, prioritizing this style often results in content that feels hollow.

Spewing out katakana terms and modifiers allows you to mass-produce lengthy, seemingly substantial texts devoid of real content. I call this "proposal literature."

"We deliver messages through activation driven by shocking impact."

"Deepening user insights through digital-driven scheme reform and innovation"

"Starting from the concept (idea), we appeal to the benefits"

...that sort of writing.

When creating a proposal, first forget proposal literature and use plain language. Once the content solidifies, you can then incorporate business terminology as needed.

Specifically,

• Avoid using katakana loanwords
• Avoid using modifiers
• Write only concrete details

These are the key points to keep in mind.

Toward an era of light language and light work

Telework is prompting a reevaluation of unnecessary habits that persisted out of inertia. Language is one such habit. Words bloated with servile expressions and katakana loanwords no longer hold sway.

Work lightly with lightened language.
Work efficiently, confidently, and authentically.

Such an era is about to begin.