Stop saying ‘hope you're well' in emails—to get attention and gain influence, do this instead

CNBC

19-06-2025

You're about to send an email. Maybe it's to a client, a hiring manager, or a colleague you haven't spoken to in a while. Reflexively, you start typing, 'Hope you're well.'
While you may genuinely mean it, it doesn't give the recipient a reason to keep reading — and in some cases, it might even prompt them to skip your message entirely.
As a keynote speaker, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and bestselling author of 'Unforgettable Presence,' I help professionals improve how they communicate in high-stakes moments. If your opener doesn't stand out, the rest of your message might never get read.
Your opening isn't filler, it's the first impression, so you should give it as much thought as the rest of your email.
The problem isn't that this phrase is rude — it's just forgettable.
'Hope you're well' has become the email equivalent of boring, autopilot small talk. It's so common that most people are probably skimming over that line. In some cases, it can even feel impersonal or lazy, especially if you're emailing someone you haven't spoken to in a while.
In addition to "hope you're well," you should also avoid:
A strong opener feels human, specific, and intentional. Because whether you're following up, making an introduction, or kicking off a project, how you start will influence what comes next.
Here are a few simple but powerful ways to move beyond 'hope you're well' and craft a message that actually gets attention and builds relationships:
If you've connected before — even briefly — use that. Reminding someone where you left off gives your message instant context.
Try this:
When you can prime people to think positively using positive words and phrases, it's a win-win for everyone. This kind of opener is especially effective when you want to feel warm and action-oriented.
Try this:
You don't have to ignore the fact that you're reaching out during a busy stretch or after some time has passed. But skip the default pleasantries and be more intentional.
Try this:
This works especially well in networking or outreach emails.
Try this: