You’re Sending the Wrong Signals: Why Your Emails Might Be Ruining Your Career

Every day, you send dozens—maybe hundreds—of digital messages. But did you know that half of your emails are probably being misinterpreted? According to Erica Dhawan, author of Digital Body Language, the majority of workplace misunderstandings now happen not in meetings, but in your inbox. In a world where face-to-face cues are gone, your words, punctuation, and even silence speak volumes.

Consider this: A quick 'Thanks.' at the end of your message might feel polite to you, but to your coworker, it could sound cold or dismissive. A delayed response could be interpreted as passive-aggressive, even if you’re just busy. And don’t get started on the period at the end of a text—what once signaled proper grammar now often signals annoyance or finality.



Dhawan explains that digital body language is the new silent language of modern work. Without tone of voice, facial expressions, or body posture, we rely on a subtle set of cues: how quickly we reply, our choice of words, our use of emojis, and whether we choose to call, text, or email. Each decision is a signal—sometimes intentional, often not.

Why does this matter? Because as remote and hybrid work become the norm, more of our collaboration happens through screens. According to recent studies, 70% of teamwork is now virtual. This means that misunderstandings can snowball, leading to lost trust, missed promotions, or even job loss.

So what can you do? Start by being intentional. Proofread your messages—typos and rushed replies signal disrespect. Be explicit about deadlines and expectations. Use structure (like bullet points and clear subject lines) to show respect for your reader’s time. And when in doubt, pick up the phone: a quick call can clear up days of digital confusion.

Dhawan’s four laws—Value Visibly, Communicate Carefully, Collaborate Confidently, and Trust Totally—offer a blueprint for digital success. Value Visibly means making appreciation explicit, not assuming others know you care. Communicate Carefully is about clarity, structure, and checking for ambiguity. Collaborate Confidently means empowering every team member, not just the loudest. And Trust Totally is about consistency, vulnerability, and follow-through.

In the end, your digital body language is your new handshake. It’s how you show up, build relationships, and get ahead. Want to make sure your emails aren’t holding you back? Start reading between the (digital) lines.

Sources: Erica Dhawan, Digital Body Language; NSLS review; Readingraphics summary. 1 2