How to Know Proper Email Etiquette

In a world of instant messaging and text messaging shorthand, communicating through technology is transforming. Email continues to be a form of mass communication used for both private and professional use. Despite the traditional formality expected through business communication, many people have a tendency to throw out all spelling and grammar rules when it comes to drafting an email. Email is an important form of communication, and especially when used professionally, or when addressing anyone you don't know, there is a form to this type of writing just like any other. Your correspondence says a lot about you, so stay ahead by practicing proper email etiquette.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Show respect by using manners. Include a greeting to whom to are writing, and never forget to include "please" and "thank you" where appropriate.

2. Use the formality of titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.) whenever you are unsure or are addressing someone new. Address someone just as you would if you were typing a form letter.

3. Watch your tone. When you speak, it's easy to adjust your tone and gauge another's reaction. When you write in an email, tone can be taken more than one way if you don't carefully choose your words. Strive to be respectful, friendly and approachable. If in doubt at all, read over your finished email several times to make sure you're giving the impression you intend to.

4. Don't be cute unless writing someone you know well. Remove emoticons, smileys and abbreviations from professional messages.

5. Avoid writing in uppercase letters. It gives the effect that you are yelling or shouting your entire thought.

6. Use proper capitalization and punctuation.

7. Be brief. Make your point as concisely as you can. Many people receive large amounts of email each day. If you want a quick response, you must limit the length of your content.

8. Use your spell-checker one last time before hitting "send."