Introduction to E-Mail Etiquette

Series Summary

E-mail, or electronic mail, has become a widespread topic of debate in institutions like businesses and academics. The relationship between professor and student shifts dramatically when students have instant access to the professor’s attention to ask questions or give feedback via his or her computer. The courageous walk from dorm to office in hopes of meeting the professor in person has almost gone extinct. Bosses, too, can be reached via e-mail, offering employees unprecedented access to the time and attention of busy executives. Are these changes good? Is e-mail the great equalizer that respects no office and affords any person the means of contacting another directly? Some find the changes progressive, though others see the deterioration of order and the chain of command something of a nuisance in modern institutions.

In this free video series, expert in communications Tracy Goodwin teaches you about e-mail and e-mail etiquette. Tracy addresses what can and cannot be sent via e-mail, offers tips for new and veteran users, and reveals how your e-mail habits may come across to others. You will learn how to use CC and BCC features, when attachments are useful, what information to put in a signature, and more. Tracy is here to show you how to write e-mails, how to respond, how to make a subject line, and everything in between.

Video Transcript

"Hi there I'm Tracy Goodwin and I'm the red sweater lady and today we're going to be talking about how to compose emails with style. Now email has become a huge part of our world and we do a very, very large percentage of our communication whether in the workplace or in our personal lives, we do it via email. And you may not know this, but there are actually certain things that you should do when you're composing emails, when you're sending emails especially in the work environment. But I don't think they offer a class, you know, "how to write emails" one on one on the college levels or anywhere else, but there are some real important tips that you should follow. I guess, you might refer to it, maybe as an Etiquette. But I'm going to give you some tips today that will help you improve your style whether in the workplace, or at home with your emails."