What are some guidelines for proper email etiquette?
The first rule of email etiquette is to think before you click send. After you’ve typed your email, read through it and make sure that your spelling is correct and that the tone and message are what you intended. Think about who you are sending the email to, and put yourself in their position. Is your email clear and professional? Will others understand what you’re trying to convey? The second rule of email etiquette is to be careful about your approach. Merriam-Webster defines tone as an “accent or inflection expressive of a mood or emotion.” It is very difficult to express tone in writing. You want to come across as respectful, friendly, and approachable. You don’t want to sound curt, demanding or unprofessional. Here are some basic tips to share with other staff members: Be Concise: Get to the point of your email as quickly as possible, but don’t leave out important details that will help your recipient answer your query. Be Professional: This means, stay away from abbreviations and