PG (@thepg)

Totally agree with all you say there Mr. Jones. Herewith now a request for a future blog topic - the use or misuse of smileys and other emojis in business communication. If you'd asked me 10 years ago I'd have said 'no, no, and a third time, no!' But ACTUALLY (when brevity is an asset) they do have their place. Especially in multicultural communications. One can either write in legalese (and with much repetition) to avoid misunderstanding. And one must forego complex words (that might get understood) and use one's most basic English. But sometimes basic basic needs more words. Especially if a message needs to be softened. Or instead one can pepper an email that is liable to misunderstanding, or where there are delicate or diplomatic messages being delivered, with carefully placed emojis. I don't think the UK Foreign Office will take that path yet (at least not with all of partners) but I think in a hurried email, emojis can keep things short and guard against misunderstanding. Though Shakespeare would have been appalled! :)