The Message That Never Gets Read
You spend 10 minutes crafting the perfect Slack message.
You explain the context. You outline the problem. You list three options with pros and cons. You ask for input.
You hit send.
And then... nothing.
Well, not nothing. You get:
- A 👀 reaction (they saw it but haven't processed it)
- "Can we hop on a call about this?" (they don't want to read it)
- Or worse: Complete silence
The problem isn't what you said. It's how much you said.
The 3-Second Rule
If someone can't understand what you need in 3 seconds of scrolling, your message is too long.
Why 3 Seconds?
That's how long people actually look at Slack messages before deciding whether to:
- Read now (it's short and clear)
- Read later (it looks important but long)
- Ignore forever (wall of text, probably not urgent)
"Read later" almost always becomes "never read."
Why Long Slack Messages Fail
Slack Is Not Email
Email is for:
- Detailed explanations
- Formal requests
- Documentation
- Things that need a paper trail
Slack is for:
- Quick questions
- Fast decisions
- Immediate coordination
- Real-time discussion
When you treat Slack like email, you're using the wrong tool for the job.
People Are Scanning, Not Reading
On Slack, people are:
- Jumping between channels
- Getting notifications every 30 seconds
- Trying to stay in flow state on actual work
- Dealing with 20 other conversations
They're not settling in with coffee to read your essay.
They're scanning for:
- Their name
- An urgent keyword
- A clear question
- Something they can answer in 10 seconds
If they don't find it immediately, they move on.
Long Messages Get Misunderstood
The longer your message, the more likely:
- They'll skim it and miss key details
- They'll misinterpret your intent
- They'll respond to the first thing, ignoring the rest
- They'll see multiple questions and answer none
Clarity decreases with length.
What Makes a Message "Too Long"?
The Visual Test
If your message:
- Fills the entire screen without scrolling = borderline
- Requires scrolling to see the end = definitely too long
- Requires multiple scrolls = way too long
Visual overwhelm triggers "I'll read this later" response.
The Comprehension Test
Can someone understand what you need in one glance?
If they have to read your message twice to figure out:
- What this is about
- Why you're messaging them
- What you need from them
It's too long.
The Context Test
If you're providing more than 2 sentences of background, it's probably too long for Slack.
Background is important, but Slack isn't the place for it.
How to Shorten Your Slack Messages
Lead with the Ask
❌ "Hey, so I've been working on the Johnson project and ran into an issue with the API. I was looking at the documentation and noticed that the v2 endpoints are deprecated, but the v3 endpoints don't have all the same functionality. The migration guide says we should use the new format, but I'm not sure how to handle the legacy data. I tried reaching out to the API team but haven't heard back yet. What do you think I should do?"
✅ "Should I use v2 or v3 endpoints for Johnson project? v2 is deprecated but v3 doesn't support our legacy data format."
What changed:
- Question FIRST
- Context SECOND
- Cut everything that doesn't directly help them answer
Use Bullet Points
❌ "I need to know if we're using the old database or the new one for this feature, and also whether we've decided on the caching strategy, and if the security team has signed off on the API keys, and when we're planning to deploy this."
✅ "Quick questions on the deployment: • Old or new database? • Caching strategy decided? • Security approval done? • Target deploy date?"
Why bullets work:
- Scannable
- Can answer each point separately
- Visually less overwhelming
Split Into Multiple Messages
Instead of one giant message, send:
- The ask (first message)
- Wait for response
- Context if needed (only if they ask)
Example:
Message 1: "Need your approval on the design mockups for homepage. Should I send here or set up a quick review call?"
Wait for response
Message 2 (only if they ask for details): "Mockups attached. Main changes: new hero section, simplified navigation, mobile-optimized forms."
Why this works:
- They can answer the first question immediately
- You only provide details if needed
- Keeps the channel flowing
Use Threads
Main channel message (short): "Proposing we move to GraphQL for the new API. Thoughts?"
Thread (detailed): "Here's why I think we should consider it: [3-4 points with details]"
Why this works:
- Main channel stays clean
- People can opt into the detailed discussion
- Doesn't disrupt other conversations
When to Use What
✅ Use Slack When:
-
You need a fast answer
- "Can you review PR #247 before EOD?"
- "What time is the meeting?"
- "Should I use Option A or B?"
-
You're coordinating in real-time
- "I'm about to deploy. Everyone ready?"
- "Who can cover the 3pm call?"
- "Bug in production. Investigating."
-
You're sharing quick updates
- "Johnson contract signed ✓"
- "PR merged"
- "Meeting moved to 3pm"
✉️ Use Email When:
- You need to explain something complex
- You need formal documentation
- You're sharing information that doesn't need immediate response
- You're writing more than 1-2 paragraphs
📞 Use a Call When:
- The Slack message would be longer than 4-5 lines
- The topic is sensitive or easily misunderstood
- You've gone back and forth 3+ times without resolution
Slack Message Templates That Work
Template: Quick Question
"[Question in one sentence]?"
Context: [One sentence if needed]
Template: Need Decision
"Need decision on [X]: • Option A: [brief pro/con] • Option B: [brief pro/con]
Prefer A because [reason]. Thoughts?"
Template: FYI Update
"[Update in one sentence]
Impact: [who/what this affects]
No action needed unless [exception]."
Template: Requesting Review
"Can you review [thing]?
Link: [url] Urgency: [by when] Focus on: [what specifically to look at]"
Real Example: Before and After
❌ TOO LONG FOR SLACK
Hey team, wanted to get your thoughts on something. I've been working on the user authentication flow and ran into a few issues with how we're currently handling sessions. Right now we're storing session data in local storage, but I've been reading that there are security concerns with this approach, especially for sensitive user data. I looked into alternatives like httpOnly cookies and JWT tokens, and it seems like either could work, but I'm not sure which one fits better with our current architecture. I also need to make sure whatever we choose works with the mobile app, since I know they have some specific requirements around authentication. I saw that the security team published some new guidelines last month, so maybe those would be helpful here? Anyway, I wanted to get everyone's input before I start making changes. What do you think we should do? Also, if we change this, will it affect any other parts of the system that I should know about? Let me know when you have a chance to think about this.
Problems:
- 10+ lines of text
- Multiple questions buried in paragraph
- No clear ask
- Too much context
- Requires scrolling
- Reader has to work to figure out what you need
✅ GOOD SLACK MESSAGE
Need architecture decision: How should we handle session storage?
Options: • Local storage (current - but security concerns) • httpOnly cookies • JWT tokens
Must work with mobile app. Recommend cookies based on new security guidelines.
Thoughts? [Thread with more context if needed]
Why this works:
- Clear subject in first line
- Scannable options
- States recommendation
- Clear ask
- Thread invitation for details
- Under 3-second comprehension
Advanced Slack Etiquette
Use Status Messages for Context
Instead of: "Hey, I'm working on the bug fix, should have it done in about an hour, I'm in the code now trying to track down the issue"
Set status: 🐛 Debugging login issue - back ~2pm Message: "Working on login bug. Update in ~1 hour."
Use Formatting for Scannability
Bold for key points: "Database migration scheduled for Saturday 3am EST. Downtime: ~30 minutes."
Code blocks for technical details:
Error: Connection timeout
Endpoint: /api/v2/users
Status: 500
Use Reactions to Reduce Message Clutter
Instead of: "Got it, thanks!" "Sounds good!" "Okay!"
Use: ✅ 👍 👀
Saves space and keeps channel readable.
The 4 Tests for Slack Messages
Before hitting send:
1. SIGNAL: Can they tell what I need in 3 seconds?
If you have to read it twice to understand, rewrite.
2. OPPORTUNITY: Is this the right channel/medium?
Email for complex. Call for back-and-forth. Slack for quick.
3. RISK: Will this disrupt their flow?
Long messages break concentration. Keep it short or schedule it.
4. AFFECT: How will they feel seeing this?
Wall of text = stress. Clear short message = helpful.
When Long Messages Are OK
Some exceptions:
- In a thread (not main channel)
- In a dedicated discussion channel (not high-traffic)
- When documenting a decision (for reference)
- When someone specifically asked for details
Even then: Use formatting, bullets, and clear headers.
Check Your Messages Before Sending
Not sure if your message is clear and appropriately sized?
Analyze it free with 4Angles →
Paste your message. See how it scores on:
- SIGNAL (Can they understand in 3 seconds?)
- OPPORTUNITY (Is this the right medium?)
- RISK (Will this get ignored?)
- AFFECT (How will they feel?)
Get specific fixes before you hit send.
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Related Reading
- Why Your "Quick Question" Isn't Quick
- The One Sentence That Makes You Sound Unprofessional
- How to Write a Follow-Up Email Without Sounding Desperate
About 4Angles: We analyze your writing from 4 psychological perspectives (Signal, Opportunity, Risk, Affect) to help you communicate with confidence. Free analysis available at 4angles.com.
Last Updated: 2025-10-28