Aug 29 2008
Six Tips for Successful E-Mails
1. Be consistent with your purpose.
Accomplishing your purpose – the reason you are writing your e-mail – is your #1 task. Try to do it clearly and concisely.
2. Be consistent with your organization’s image.
If you’re working for a bank, don’t sound like a loan shark. At the very least, you’ll offend people. If you’re a loan shark, don’t sound like a bank officer. No one will pay attention.
3. Be concise but not “short.”
There is a fine line between writing short and being short. It’s easy to make people think you’re mad at them when writing quick, short e-mails. If necessary, add a few words to strike a congenial note.
4. Don’t write anything you wouldn’t want to have posted on a bulletin board.
Remember, e-mails are not private. Don’t get yourself in trouble. Any e-mail you send can be distributed widely with a few keystrokes.
5. It’s not about how you mean it – it’s about how a specific reader will take it.
Know your audience and write accordingly. How will the particular reader perceive the tone of your message?
6. When in doubt, read it out loud.
Your ear can catch subtleties your eye might miss.
