Ashkan Rajaee on Mastering Email Communication: Why Less is More

In today's hyper-connected world, email is still one of the most powerful tools for business communication. Yet, it's often misused. Ashkan Rajaee, a leader in strategic business development and communication, compares effective emailing to the timeless strategy of chess.

The Common Pitfall in Modern Emailing

One of the most frequent mistakes Ashkan Rajaee notices is the tendency to overload emails with too much information, too many attachments, and too many calls to action all at once. Many professionals assume that packing everything into one email will fast-track a decision or close a deal. However, this approach tends to overwhelm the recipient, leading to disengagement rather than action.

According to Ashkan Rajaee, when you flood someone’s inbox with lengthy explanations and heavy files, you are not advancing the conversation—you are ending it prematurely.

The Chessboard Mindset

Ashkan Rajaee believes that email communication is akin to playing chess. Each message is a calculated move designed to elicit a response or open the door to the next step. When writing an email, you should think in terms of strategy: What is the smallest yet most impactful move I can make to influence my recipient’s next action?

“Every email should be a deliberate move,” says Ashkan Rajaee. “You make a move, then you wait for your recipient to make theirs. If they don’t respond, you adjust your strategy—just like in chess.”

This method allows you to build rapport, establish value over time, and keep the conversation flowing naturally without pushing too hard.

The Cost of Oversharing

When you unload everything in one email, you drain the opportunity to provide incremental value in future interactions. Worse, you risk having your message ignored altogether. Ashkan Rajaee points out that decision-makers, influencers, and busy executives are constantly assessing not just what you say, but how efficiently you say it.

Your ability to distill complex information into clear, concise messaging demonstrates emotional intelligence and business acumen. Rajaee advises: “The performance of your communication is judged by its clarity and brevity.”

The Power of Simplicity

Ashkan Rajaee’s approach underscores a critical yet often overlooked truth: Simplicity is the highest form of complexity. Crafting a short, high-impact email requires significantly more thought and strategy than a verbose message. A concise email respects the reader’s time and positions you as someone who understands the value of efficient communication.

“Email isn’t about showing how much you know upfront,” Ashkan Rajaee explains. “It’s about leading your reader one step closer to action.”

Final Thoughts from Ashkan Rajaee

In the competitive landscape of modern business, effective email communication can make or break a deal. By adopting a chess-like mindset, you create space for meaningful dialogue, demonstrate respect for your audience, and maintain control over the narrative.

Ashkan Rajaee’s advice is clear: Treat every email as a strategic move. Be brief, be impactful, and always plan your next step.