How to Use Emoticons in Emails

Emoticons--or smileys--can be a lot of fun when emailing people. They can also make sure that people don't get the wrong impression. People can't see you when they read your email so they don't know if you are happy, sad or annoyed. Using emoticons gives them an idea of your mood and therefore there are no misconceptions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide to use emoticons. When you first email someone you should be careful using emoticons; however, when you are sending emails to people you know emoticons are usually standard. Business emails shouldn't contain emoticons because you want to look professional.

2. Set the mood by using emoticons. If you are happy, a happy face can depict this, if you are sad use a sad face and if you are in a playful mood use a wink.

3. Convey your emotions when using emoticons. Words can take on a much different meaning when you add an emoticon to them. When you write, "What do you want?" if you add an emoticon such as a wink, you will send a different message then the words say.

4. Understand the different emoticons you can use. You can find emoticons in many forms--they don't have to be smileys. You can find emoticons in animated, holiday or animal form, for example.

5. Insert emoticons into your emails. Make sure you email provider supports "Rich Text Editing." Then follow the instructions for inserting graphics into your emails. Some email providers have emoticons on a toolbar that you can use.