We all know that communication isn’t just about the words we say. There’s verbal communication (the words themselves), non-verbal communication (facial gestures, expressions, gestures, posture), and there’s there’s this often-forgotten layer: para-verbal communication.
Para-verbal cues are the “how” behind your words. Your tone, pacing/cadence, volume, emotion. They’re the difference between a playful, “You’re ridiculous,” and a hurt, defensive, “You’re ridiculous.” Same words, but very different meaning.
When we speak in person, by phone, or on video, our para-verbal cues naturally come through. But in writing, especially in email, chats, and texts, it’s so easy for that layer to go missing. And that’s a problem because so much misunderstanding lives in what isn’t said, but is meant.
Add to that the increasing trend of shorthand communication, like text-style abbreviations, dropped punctuation, all-lowercase casualness, and you’ve got even less information available to help the reader pick up on intention.
That’s where emojis come in.
Yep; emojis. I love them. And I love teaching about them as a smart tool for business communication.
Emojis as a Para-verbal Tool
When used intentionally and somewhat sparingly in a professional setting, emojis can serve as the bridge between what you write, and how you want your words to land. Here are some examples:
- ☺️ can soften a strong statement and add warmth
- 😉 signals that a comment is playful or tongue-in-cheek
- 👍 communicates agreement or acknowledgment quickly and clearly
- 🙏 expresses appreciation or gratitude.
Doing all you can to make sure your words land as you intend them matters a lot.
Some Best Practices
- Use emojis to clarify, not distract. A well-placed emoji can enhance a message. A string of eight? Not so much.
- Match the tone of the message. Don’t throw out a wink when you’re being deadly serious as it muddies the tone.
- Know your audience. Some clients love emojis. Other’s don’t. When in doubt, mirror their style until you’ve built enough rapport to know what’s acceptable. Also, consider generational differences. Gen X may see 👍 as friendly and affirming, while Gen Z might interpret it as passive-aggressive or dismissive. Emojis can mean different things to different people, and context matters.
- Professional and personal are different. There’s a world of difference between how we talk and use emojis in personal conversations, and how we talk and use emojis in professional settings. Be sure to know the difference and don’t confuse the two spaces.
Emojis to use with Caution in Business (or Skip Altogether)
You always get to choose your own style, but here are a few emojis that may seem less appropriate in a professional setting:
- 😘 or 😍 or 🥰 or😜 — too flirty or familiar
- 🤣 or 😂 — can seem dismissive or exaggerated, even if you’re genuinely laughing
- 😬 or 😅 — may unintentionally convey discomfort, or a lack of confidence
- 💀— very internet-culture specific and can confuse or upset someone not in the know
- 💩 or 🍆 —please just….no.
Final Thought
Please don’t overthink or worry too much about the emojis you use, but please do be intentional. In a world where so much communication happens through a screen, anything that helps your tone, warmth, humor, or humanity come through is worth considering.
So, yes, emojis belong in business communication, when they’re doing the right job. Think of them as small-but-mighty allies in making sure your meaning matches your message. 👍
