How to write an email:

Do:

*Keep it classy with salutations*

This is a mentality trick to prevent being too familiar, vulgar, flippant, or unkind (in short, sending emails you later regret)

EX

Dear X, …. Sincerely, Y

Do:

*Reread and edit*

Assume your email will be shared widely

EX

I try to remind myself that my emails might be read in court, not because I want them to be, I certainly hope not, but because it forces me to put a foot forward that I could stand behind

Do:

*Embrace lists*

Use bullet points and identify the number of issues at the top if there are multiple action items or asks

EX

*Tell me what you think

*Let me know if this timeline works for you

*Send me that photo from last week

Do:

*Follow through*

If you say you will do something in an email, put it on your to do list at that moment and give a timeline (for the benefit of yourself and the recipient)

EX

I will find that document and scan it to you by next Wednesday

I will talk with Jerry and call you before the end of the month with our decision

Don’t:

Bury the lede

EX

Subject line: Signature from ABC needed

Don’t:

Over share

If you can’t do something, can’t make an appt at the proposed time, or lack the information to respond at the moment just say so. The ‘why’ is usually not necessary.

EX

*No, I don’t have capacity to take that on.

*That time doesn’t work. Here are my windows of availability.

*I can’t answer that right now but will follow up when and if I gain additional details.

#writing #email #howto