I just came across an article that made me think.

2 words. Hmmm.

Right, you guessed them, thank you.

Often not used in the right medium.

Yes, show how thankful you really are.

But depending on the circumstances, an email may not be enough.

Record an audio “thank you,” or better, a video “thanks so much,” to someone who went above and beyond for you, just as you are recording above and beyond a usual thank-you-email.

Try these on LinkedIn: an audio message on the app (1 minute max) or a video (2 minute max for native video). Thanks to my colleague and all-round video guru Gillian Whitney for her expert post in the link above, on the latter.

Use my 3 E’s s you record:

  • Emphasis: tell the recipient why this meant so much to you, how it really helped, why you appreciate their assistance, how this can help you in your future work, that this made a difference. Employ powerful verbs to help emphasize your appreciate in your message.
  • Emotion: This message is extraordinary to you in some way and will be to the recipient, so get professionally emotional in your delivery. I am not saying this should be a tear jerker, but smile, glimmer, wink, radiate visually from your facial expressions, hand gestures, or if this is audio make them be able to imagine you doing so.
  • Ebullience: This this the dollop of whipped cream on dessert. This is however you add your signature personal touch, your charismatic draw, your inner beauty, all showing through the limitations of media. Make the recipient smile inwardly too.

Show thanks not only in words, but how you deliver them. You offer the gratitude, let LinkedIn be your conduit.