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Inferences, Assumptions,
and Presumptions
“Dr. Livingstone, I presume.”
—H. M. Stanley, 1871
There
is often confusion about the definitions for inferences, assumptions, and
presumptions. When any of these are part of an email, each can
create confusion enough to change the desired purpose of a communication. As
stated previously in this book, any message written in haste can fail in its
intent or even worsen a situation one is trying to correct.
Here
are some basic definitions:
Inference—something we take
for granted often because of a related observation or experience or something
that is factually known; that is, an educated guess.
Assumption is an accepted thing thought to be true but without
proof—something taken for granted, an axiom or starting point in an argument or
theory, a natural deduction. “You have to start somewhere.”
Presumption— Omnia
praesumtur rite esse acta: Latin proverb that means “all things are presumed
to be done in due form.” Taken to be the case, based upon reasonable evidence. An
idea that has always been believed to be right, taken for granted, not likely
to be wrong. Best possible guess or conclusion.
Over-assuming is usually a guess
based on unverified information; when inferences, assumptions, or presumptions
are made, obvious risks are involved. Because of the inherent possibilities that
email, by its structure, can evoke, even more misunderstandings are likely to occur.
Faulty assumptions can be trivial or significant, but many can be avoided with Netiquette principles and
practices. As
the tools and technologies available become more sophisticated, their impact
creates more assumptions[ . A good example of this is the
MS Outlook grammar check. Although helpful, it is far from infallible
and can, at times, be off the mark quite considerably. This
is evidenced by rationalizations that lower standards, which tolerate mistakes
and due diligence, are all acceptable. The long-term trend of all of these factors—email
structure, increasingly sophisticated technology, and lowering standards— increase the
complacency about email senders being sub-par in communication skills.
Perception—an experience from
the senses or, at times, intuition. Not yet taken for granted.
Thoroughness,
clarity, and objectivity will greatly eliminate the gray areas that inference,
assumption, and presumption can create. All people make multiple inferences and
assumptions every day, including what and how recipients of email will conclude
and the degrees of the receivers’ reactions in reading the correspondence. To
be skillful in effective email writing, it is necessary to not only employ Netiquette, but also to
have a basic idea of those habits that can undermine one’s accuracy and
effectiveness in communication.
Examples of inference and assumption
The
following list summarizes some common inferences and assumptions.
1. A correspondence
has been read or opened.
2. Intended emotions
have been understood.
3. Specific urgency
has been properly addressed.
4. Privacy will be
maintained.
5. Any requests or
demands will be honored.
6. The recipient
wishes to receive correspondence.
7. An intended goal is
accomplished.
8. Recipients will
have universal reactions.
9. Schedules for
meetings, calls or participatory events are open.
11. The addressees will
ask for clarification if emails are unclear to them.
12. If replies are not
either immediate, short-cycle (i.e., responded to within a
requested timeframe), or not replied to at all, the addressee is categorically
rejecting the sender.
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===============================================================In addition to this blog, Netiquette IQ has a website with great assets which are being added to on a regular basis. I have authored the premiere book on Netiquette, “Netiquette IQ - A Comprehensive Guide to Improve, Enhance and Add Power to Your Email". My new book, “You’re Hired! Super Charge Your Email Skills in 60 Minutes. . . And Get That Job!” has just been published and will be followed by a trilogy of books on Netiquette for young people. You can view my profile, reviews of the book and content excerpts at:
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In addition to this blog, I maintain a radio show on BlogtalkRadio and an online newsletter via paper.li.I have established Netiquette discussion groups with Linkedin and Yahoo. I am also a member of the International Business Etiquette and Protocol Group and Minding Manners among others. I regularly consult for the Gerson Lehrman Group, a worldwide network of subject matter experts and I have been contributing to the blogs Everything Email and emailmonday . My work has appeared in numerous publications and I have presented to groups such as The Breakfast Club of NJ and PSG of Mercer County, NJ.
Additionally, I am the president of Tabula Rosa Systems,
a “best of breed” reseller of products for communications, email,
network management software, security products and professional
services. Also, I am the president of Netiquette IQ. We are currently developing an email IQ rating system, Netiquette IQ, which promotes the fundamentals outlined in my book.
Over the past twenty-five years, I have enjoyed a dynamic and successful career and have attained an extensive background in IT and electronic communications by selling and marketing within the information technology market.
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