In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to hit the send button on an email without thinking twice. However, sometimes we may realize that we need to make changes or even cancel the email after it’s been sent. This is where the “delay sending” feature in Outlook comes in handy. In this article, we will discuss how to delay sending an email in Outlook and why it can be a useful tool.
What is Delay Sending?
Delay sending is a feature in Outlook that allows you to schedule when an email will be sent. This means that after you hit the send button, the email will sit in your outbox for a designated amount of time before being sent. During this time, you can make changes or even cancel the email altogether.
How to Delay Sending an Email in Outlook
To delay sending an email in Outlook, follow these steps:
- Compose your email as usual.
- Click on the “Options” tab in the top menu bar.
- In the “More Options” group, click on “Delay Delivery.”
- In the “Properties” window that appears, check the box next to “Do not deliver before” and select the date and time you want the email to be sent.
- Click “Close” to save the changes.
Your email will now sit in your outbox until the designated time, at which point it will be sent automatically.
Why Use Delay Sending?
There are several reasons why you may want to use the delay sending feature in Outlook:
Catching Mistakes
We’ve all been there – you hit send on an email and immediately realize you made a mistake. With delay sending, you have a window of time to catch and correct any errors before the email is actually sent.
Time Management
By scheduling emails to be sent at a later time, you can better manage your time and avoid sending emails during non-business hours. This can also be helpful if you want to send an email to someone in a different time zone without disrupting their workday.
Avoiding Impulsive Emails
Sometimes we may be tempted to send an email in the heat of the moment, but with delay sending, you have time to cool off and reconsider before the email is actually sent. This can help prevent any unnecessary conflicts or misunderstandings.
Tips for Using Delay Sending Effectively
- Set a reasonable delay time: Make sure to give yourself enough time to make any necessary changes, but not too much time that the email becomes irrelevant.
- Use it sparingly: Delay sending can be a useful tool, but don’t rely on it too heavily. It’s important to still be mindful and double-check your emails before sending them.
- Remember to cancel if needed: If you do decide to cancel the email, make sure to do so before the designated time.
By utilizing the delay sending feature in Outlook, you can have more control over your emails and avoid any potential mistakes or impulsive actions. Give it a try and see how it can benefit your email management. Have you used delay sending before? Let us know in the comments.
