Verba Volant, Scripta Manent: Why Your Emails Are Your Best Asset

Have you ever left a meeting feeling like everything was perfectly clear, only to have a coworker completely forget a key detail a week later? Or found yourself in a "he said, she said" situation about a project deadline?

It's a frustratingly common part of the modern workplace. We have quick chats by the coffee machine, informal hallway conversations, and meetings that fly by in a blur. The problem is, as soon as those words are spoken, they're gone. They disappear in the wind.

There's an old Latin proverb that sums this up perfectly: "Verba volant, scripta manent." It translates to: "Spoken words fly away, written words remain."

This ancient wisdom is more relevant today than ever, especially when it comes to communication on the job.

The Problem with Talking

Conversations are great for brainstorming and building rapport, but they are terrible for record-keeping. People get distracted. They misremember details. They might even honestly forget a conversation ever took place.

If something important is discussed—a project change, a new deadline, or a critical decision—relying on memory is a recipe for disaster. The moment someone says, "I don't remember that," you're left with no proof and a new problem to solve.

The Power of Writing

This is where your email comes in. It's not just a formality; it's a permanent record. It's your digital paper trail.

Sending a quick email after a meeting or important conversation isn't about being overly formal. It's about being smart. An email confirms what was discussed, what was agreed upon, and who is responsible for what.

A smart practice is to cc people in the chain of command. This keeps your managers and relevant leaders informed of critical decisions, ensuring everyone is on the same page. It also creates a broader record of key agreements, preventing information silos and adding an extra layer of accountability.

So, the next time you have a critical conversation, follow up with a brief email summarizing the key takeaways and remember to include the right people. It might seem like a small step, but it's one of the most effective ways to communicate on the job. Because while your words may fly away, your writing will always remain.