The Elements of Effective Emails
In this age of constant litigation and liability, you need to write professional emails in a very careful manner.
Subject Lines:
- avoid vague messages (I have a question)
- Some programs show only the first word
- Avoid too many re:’s
- Draw attention to critical information
Recipients
- Avoid cc: everyone you can
Length and Content
- Brevity
- Topic sentences
- State reason for writing at start of message
- Avoid long discussions
Formatting
- CAPITALS for headings
- Block style
- *Asterisks* to show italics
Signatures
- Contact information
Tone
- Professionalism
- Courtesy
- Complete sentences
- Abbreviations u vs. you
- Salutation