[Libs-Or] Tech-Talk: Email Overwhelm? How to Take Control

Wed Oct 22 07:53:44 PDT 2025

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Webinars for You

October 22: [LEADERSHIP] Meeting Mastery: Skills Every Leader Needs Why Attend: You want to learn how to lead meetings that are focused, respectful, and productive.

November 5: [EMAIL] Organizing Email: Clear the Clutter, Stay in Control. Why Attend: You're tired of inbox overload and want ways to reduce it.

November 19:  [INTERNET] Internet Search Techniques: Search Smarter, Save Time<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001k3Qy8Yu4u-0kxB0OXtA4wCeZEBsNGTb3pm0RQ0ALlsNyakYL2vcM99iBahiiVDcmgaMV76n73FDk96Na0ZvqPQ8D-w-oA-mU6w8Lsp84srr08KPFLLJTMzKlrtmtPSg3TDVqAWbw9da1mcB34aEAeaLNeyC6MDmKsLAmMvRJWpqUIrdd0Jkc_eOnIX6E2NPTAAs4FyLJ9qZBm6ryiuCGhA==&c=RAuabVj_6eqRqgvsFWOOhUyy6Zkp4OZyFZBcsdh_GZT_3sgFIZKrrQ==&ch=Y7NDZdY7XVXwbfjuoxao0VRqYPVD6VA1La-vpHGf9KQK9Hx1VbU6Nw==>. Why Attend: You want faster and more efficient search results.

December 3: [EXCEL]  Spreadsheet Storytelling: Interactive Features You Need. Why Attend: You want tips on bringing out your messages.

View Webinars and Register Here<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001k3Qy8Yu4u-0kxB0OXtA4wCeZEBsNGTb3pm0RQ0ALlsNyakYL2vcM9_zKNJh9yDro74-bhtu8f5u_4ivqfQSsSRv3gJL81Z1FZzo2-vMxra65huiyX7pw-V5BBPxaCR4T8VvD9R_MSpea7iizbrjjk_MlO_gVkTWoE8X-WhCZSlE=&c=RAuabVj_6eqRqgvsFWOOhUyy6Zkp4OZyFZBcsdh_GZT_3sgFIZKrrQ==&ch=Y7NDZdY7XVXwbfjuoxao0VRqYPVD6VA1La-vpHGf9KQK9Hx1VbU6Nw==>

Email Overwhelm? How to Take Control

Intermediate

[search for an email]

Is your Inbox overflowing because you've taken on more responsibility?

Or perhaps you work 100% virtually or split your time between locations?

In any case, when you're up to your eyeballs with things to do, face-to-face meetings and quick in-person conversations aren't always possible. These communications often rely on email messages.

Statistics tell us that 28% of a workday is spent on email, so it makes sense to be as efficient with it as possible, right? You don't want a super full Inbox as you run the risk of missing the important emails that need your attention.

So, How Do You Take Control of Email?

Here are some strategies that can help. Pick a few and try them out!

We have full articles (and video demonstrations) on each of these topics in the Tech-Talk database. See this article for the individual links<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001k3Qy8Yu4u-0kxB0OXtA4wCeZEBsNGTb3pm0RQ0ALlsNyakYL2vcM94gFIANB8q5zfrDEiul8R0df1Yo7CS_ll5tSNav4tFUpeCSQhFCFXINnSpL8sr58aY2CSK_LAPeMDfjknzvE2Wg41JCaoxJ8mz3NKa8BrA_AKJIvk9Lj2oNf1Dge_lfMGM-Zo5aW-G9RZqVhb5EwaogZMgYshsxci_tCigECCfV1&c=RAuabVj_6eqRqgvsFWOOhUyy6Zkp4OZyFZBcsdh_GZT_3sgFIZKrrQ==&ch=Y7NDZdY7XVXwbfjuoxao0VRqYPVD6VA1La-vpHGf9KQK9Hx1VbU6Nw==>.<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001k3Qy8Yu4u-0kxB0OXtA4wCeZEBsNGTb3pm0RQ0ALlsNyakYL2vcM94gFIANB8q5zfrDEiul8R0df1Yo7CS_ll5tSNav4tFUpeCSQhFCFXINnSpL8sr58aY2CSK_LAPeMDfjknzvE2Wg41JCaoxJ8mz3NKa8BrA_AKJIvk9Lj2oNf1Dge_lfMGM-Zo5aW-G9RZqVhb5EwaogNpwr2RwtyS4ZCc3cqNh6r&c=RAuabVj_6eqRqgvsFWOOhUyy6Zkp4OZyFZBcsdh_GZT_3sgFIZKrrQ==&ch=Y7NDZdY7XVXwbfjuoxao0VRqYPVD6VA1La-vpHGf9KQK9Hx1VbU6Nw==>

1.  Create colored labels to notice specific activities, like requesting free learning.
2.  Use folders and move a bunch of emails at once to get organized.
3.  Clean out your inbox in an efficient manner.
4.  Create templates for when you need to send the same message repeatedly.
5.  Save an email note as a document you can refer to later.
6.  Schedule an email to go out at another time.

View the Steps for Each Tip Here<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001k3Qy8Yu4u-0kxB0OXtA4wCeZEBsNGTb3pm0RQ0ALlsNyakYL2vcM94gFIANB8q5zfrDEiul8R0df1Yo7CS_ll5tSNav4tFUpeCSQhFCFXINnSpL8sr58aY2CSK_LAPeMDfjknzvE2Wg41JCaoxJ8mz3NKa8BrA_AKJIvk9Lj2oNf1Dge_lfMGM-Zo5aW-G9RZqVhb5EwaoiecrZ0Q7XNwudKCo0eJNIa&c=RAuabVj_6eqRqgvsFWOOhUyy6Zkp4OZyFZBcsdh_GZT_3sgFIZKrrQ==&ch=Y7NDZdY7XVXwbfjuoxao0VRqYPVD6VA1La-vpHGf9KQK9Hx1VbU6Nw==>

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/e78e8f70-07a5-4735-b14f-36962b2a4aec.gif?rdr=true]

TIP: If you are interested in organizing your email and being more productive with it, try the upcoming webinar on November 5th!

Organizing Email; Clear the Clutter, Stay in Control<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001k3Qy8Yu4u-0kxB0OXtA4wCeZEBsNGTb3pm0RQ0ALlsNyakYL2vcM9_zKNJh9yDro74-bhtu8f5u_4ivqfQSsSRv3gJL81Z1FZzo2-vMxra65huiyX7pw-V5BBPxaCR4T8VvD9R_MSpea7iizbrjjk7vBbkyDNTmuQrp5pdaKj9M=&c=RAuabVj_6eqRqgvsFWOOhUyy6Zkp4OZyFZBcsdh_GZT_3sgFIZKrrQ==&ch=Y7NDZdY7XVXwbfjuoxao0VRqYPVD6VA1La-vpHGf9KQK9Hx1VbU6Nw==>

Sign up and watch the recording!

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/f8f1ecc8-4884-4c21-8ed0-cf647e6db944.png?rdr=true]

Communications: Talking

"Because" is more convincing

There is one little word that can make people feel much more friendly about ... and accepting of ... what you have to say.

Yes, it's the word "because".

A study was done where an individual (standing in a long line) was told to walk to the head and say, "Excuse me, I need to cut to the front. Would that be all right?"  Only occasionally, he (or she) was let in.

However, further testing showed that when the person gave a reason for wanting to cut the line, more agreed.  It didn't seem to matter if the purpose was logical, vital or irrelevant, the rate of acceptance was the same.

But, even more surprisingly, when the individual added the word "because" before the reason, the acceptance rate soared!

So, when you are suggesting or asking others (in writing or conversation) it's best to tack on the word because ... and a reason (any reason).

Do you see a difference below - even with less-than-stellar justification?

·     Let's postpone the meeting.
·     Let's postpone the meeting because I'm busy.

·     I'd rather not do that.
·     I'd rather not do that because it doesn't work.

·     The training sessions need to be shorter.
·     The training sessions need to be shorter because they're too long.

Just think what you could do with stronger reasons! When you use the word "because" you immediately communicate respect for the other person. They appreciate it. Your ideas are more readily accepted.

TIP: Try this especially in your email notes, texts to colleagues, and voicemail messages.

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Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/
State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
971-375-3491 | darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>

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