Tips on E-mail Etiquette

E-mail is an essential tool in the business world and is a major source of communication between employees to its use as a marketing tool. Having students learn good e-mail etiquette is very important in todays global marketplace. Here are some tips to sending a good e-mail correspondence.

• Consider composing offline
• Don't say anything you don't want others to read.
• Make the message relative to your audience.
• Write short messages limited to one idea and one screen.
• Get addresses correct.
• Use appropriate subject lines, descriptive and concise.
• Include a salutation and closing to personalize the message.
• Don't use all CAPS or all lower case.
• Resist humor.
• Avoid jargon, technical words, and shortened terms.
• Use proper punctuation, grammar, spelling and capitalization.
• Be concise - don't use unnecessary information.
• Don't use background formating, clip art, color type and unusual fonts.
• Use graphic highlights to enhance important information.
• Use a signature line with all your contact information.
• Double check (proofread, proofread, proofread) before hitting send.
• Make sure your message is sent.
• Do not send messages when you are ANGRY.
• Don't forward a message without permission.
• Be selective - send only to the appropriate parties.
• Consider cultural differences.
• Include just enough of the prior messages to remind the receiver why you are writing - just don't keep hitting reply.
• Last but certainly not the least - maintain and use current up-to-date virus protection.