> Over email though, I end up spending more time articulating what I'm confused about and trying to pre-empt possible replies because it feels more formal and i

> Over email though, I end up spending more time articulating what I'm confused about and trying to pre-empt possible replies because it feels more formal and interruptive I would try to fix this first. You're putting constraints/feelings onto email that other people don't. Just fire off an email with your question(s). Unless you're emailing the CEO or something, just type your questions stream-of-consciousness and hit send. Don't be afraid of immediately sending a second email "oh I forgot this question too, thanks! $QUESTION" Take a look at https://twitter.com/TechEmails https://twitter.com/TechEmails and the emails from high-level executives. Most of them are super informal. Some of the older ones between Bill Gates and MS execs are barely more coherent than text messages between a couple HS freshmen. I'm not saying to start including emojis in your emails to your boss's boss's boss's boss, but an informal quick email won't be a career ender by any stretch.