How to End an Email

You've written your message to your intended party on your computer screen. You pause. You think "How should I end this message?" Sincerely? Thank you? Best Wishes? The tone you wish to convey to the recipient will be confirmed in how you end an email. Read below for steps on how to end an email so your message is received in the manner intended.

Things You'll Need

• Internet
• Email Account

Instructions

1. Define the relationship between yourself and the email recipient.
   The way you end an email is largely determined by the relationship between the sender and recipient. Is it a friend, coworker, boss, company, etc...This will immediately exclude some potential closing salutations while opening up the possibility of others.

2. Determine the nature of the email content.
   Is this an "fyi" email? Is it a request for action? Is it a thank you message? The combination of Step 1 and Step 2 are critical before you can move to Step 3.

3. Determine the type of response you would like to receive to the email.
   Are you hoping the recipient will agree to something? Or, are you not expecting a response at all?

4. Lastly, put yourself in the recipient's shoes.
   If this person was sending this email to you, what closing salutation would you expect them to use?

5. Send the email.
   Don't obsess over the perfect way to end an email. These four steps should not take more than 2 minutes of focused thought.

Tips & Warnings

• "Thank you" is one of the safest ways to end an email.

• "Sincerely" is best used when you have expressed an emotion.

• "Best Wishes" is often seen when parties are departing ways for a period of time.

• "Bye" is usually reserved for individuals that have a casual relationship.

• When you fail to end an email the recipient may be confused on the intent of the message. Remember email can be a sterile mode of communication.

Resources

• http://www.ehow.com/how_4542014_reply-email.html
• Send: Why People Email So Badly and How To Do It Better