Email Etiquette

These days, almost everyone uses e-mail. It has become a universal method of communication. However, there are many questions of etiquette and few answers. Here are some tips:

• Limit e-mails to a single subject and make sure the subject line reflects it.
• Maintain the same level of formality that you would when writing a letter, especially if it is to a new correspondent.
• Remember that the user cannot see your facial expressions when they read this e-mail. Be careful when using sarcasm and humor.
• Only use capitals when using acronyms. Otherwise, using capitals is seen as shouting and is considered rude.
• Keep it short; less than a page. Anything longer should be sent as an attachment.
• Don’t write anything in an e-mail that you wouldn’t write in a letter or say in person. Always be professional and calm.
• For important, sensitive, emotional, or longer e-mails, it is often a good idea to save the e-mail after writing it and come back to it later to proofread it.
• Always ensure the e-mail is addressed correctly.
• Unless you are absolutely sure it is OK, avoid sending large attachments. You should also make sure your attachments are virus-free and can be opened by common programs.
• Like other business documents, remember to keep your writing clear, concise, and correct.

For more information on writing skills visit our courses here.