I have been doing an experiment: Writing emails "like a man." It has generated some interesting responses. (thread) #journalism #womeninjournalism

I realize that attributing a writing style to gender is problematic, and gender can be fluid. But I have noticed some real differences in the way I and my female (AFAB) colleagues write vs male (AMAB) colleagues. Thus, I set out to "write like a man" to see what happened.

Men are less likely to use the words "I think," "just," "so" and - this is a big one - "sorry." Women are more likely to use exclamation points and smiley faces, which I see as a way to be deferential and non-threatening in corporate & news environments that are male-dominated.

I stopped using exclamation points and smiley faces in most of my correspondence. Instead of saying "I think" something is a good idea, I just say it's a good idea. The change made me feel more authoritative in my communications. I frigging love it, tbh.

I really enjoyed not "just" dropping a "quick" note. I was writing because I had something to say and I needed answers. No apologies or qualifications needed. I felt bold.

To be clear: I take full responsibility for my prior writing style (which still creeps in from time to time). Although it is something that stems from the patriarchal society I grew up in, I'm an adult. A woman. I can do what I want. And now I do.

The interesting thing was the responses. One source called me to "clear the air" because I seemed upset about something. I explained that I was simply trying to be direct and no offense was taken or intended. The conversation ended on a positive note.

"You said it, I didn't" said one of my contacts, when I explained that I am "writing like a man" by leaving out smiley faces and enthusiastic punctuation.

I got a long silence when I explained to another person, that smiley faces and exclamation points are things "I'm trying to eliminate from my correspondence to force me to make a point more effective through words rather than punctuation and emojis."

I've also realized, sometimes I *like* using smiley faces or an exclamation point. But I do it much less often and it's typically servicing my wish to write fewer words while communicating a friendly tone.

Women in journalism: Have you ever considered writing your emails "like a man?" Felt pressure to slap a few smiley faces on correspondence? Just curious. @JessicaHuseman @jkbjournalist @womenjournalism @brikeilarcnn @lbarronlopez @KateNocera @JFKucinich @misswilson (end thread)