How to Write Business Email Tips for ESL Students

Email communication

English as a Second Language (ESL) students need tips on how to write a business email at work. It can be communication between business associates or coworkers with questions, updates or information sharing. Some ESL students have different ideas about how to write a business email. They may be too formal in style, beginning with "Dear Sir" or use too many words. Others may feel the email is the same as a formal business letter. The emails they write may be too short, too long, or too polite. There are key elements for ESL students to consider when writing a business email.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet connection

Instructions

Instructions for ESL Students

1. Check with your company about their privacy and security policies before using business emails to communicate. You should not send out an email that you don't want anyone else to read, because it is easy for the recipient to forward it to others.

2. Use the subject line to provide an informal introduction to the topic of the business email. A subject line should not be left blank. Be brief and focus on one topic, if possible.

3. Create the body of your business email with two paragraphs or less. Anything longer might not be read. Check it to make sure that you do not repeat information.

4. Answer in one sentence any questions that the sender has asked. Otherwise, open by writing an informal introductory statement that shows the key point of your email.

5. Use an informal style with salutations like "Hi Bill," and contractions. If you need to ask a question or request a specific response, make the content easy for the reader to respond.

6. Avoid using slang or offensive language. Don't express emotions that will distract the reader from your message.

7. The email should be in an easy to read font with upper and lower case letters rather than all capitals. Proofread your work before sending it out.

8. Finish the email by telling the reader if they should respond to the email or if they should wait to hear from you. A conclusion can be added as a next step.

9. If you forward a message to others, include a brief explanation of why you are forwarding it to them. If the original message is long, you can shorten it by cutting unnecessary information.