Emilie Johnson

SLM 581

Elective #8

 

Email Tips for the Classroom

Email is a fast, effective way to send a message.  Here are some helpful hints and tips to ensure that the email you are sending is appropriate!

 

1.  Be concise and brief when writing messages and replies.  The friend receiving email does not want to read a novel written by you.  Get to the point as quickly as you can!

 

2.  Avoid using too much humor!  Something that you find to be very funny may not be so hilarious to someone else.  Make sure you know whether your friend will think the message is funny or not.  If you question it, don’t send it!

 

3.  Never use all capital letters!  DO YOU WANT TO BE YELLED AT!!  Capital letters in an email usually mean that the sender is angry or trying to talk loudly.  Often times, the person reading the email will be offended!  For one or two words for emphasis is ok.

 

4.  Use emotion symbols or smile icons to show feelings.  By adding a quick (blink), (hug), or smile icon to your email, the reader will know how you are feeling.  This will make the email more of a one on one conversation because there is something for the reader to visualize.

 

5.  The “subject” line should be descriptive.  Would you send a card without a reason?  The subject line should always have something written in it.  The reader should always know what the content of the email is going to consist of. 

 

6. Grammar and spelling is key!!  You want to be taken seriously, right  Make sure that all words are spelled correctly and all grammar is correct before pressing send.  If you have spelling errors, the message will not be taken seriously and will probably be ignored. 

 

7.  Create a signature for your emails.  The reader should know whom the email is from even if they are familiar with your email address.  Always sign the bottom of the email, whether it be cute or plain.

 

8.  Clearly describe attachments.  If you attach a file to your email, make sure it has to do with what you are talking about.  The reader will not open it if they are not sure what it is in case of a virus or spam.

 

9.  Avoid using long sentences.  It is slightly harder to read from a computer screen.  Make sure your sentences are easy to read and not too long.  The reader will get bored with long, drawn out sentences and stop reading your important email.

 

10.  Finally, pause and read over the email before sending!!  It is easier to write something than actually say it to the reader’s face.  Before sending the email, not matter what it is about, make sure that the tone seems nice enough and that the information is easy to understand and relevant.  Do not send an email that would get your in trouble later on!!

 

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