Email Etiquette

We live in an electronic age, and one of the fastest modes of written communication is through emails. It is extremely pertinent that we understand and know how to write proper emails with right verbiage, because our words would speak for us through those emails. While talking, the other person can hear your tone but while reading, its very different, a simple statement may sound rude unless you choose right words or phrases to communicate the right expression or emotion. Most of our official and personal jobs get done only through emails and hence to have email etiquette is crucial in the present day to maintain, better relationships and to have better business prospects or better deals.

While at work, we may find myriad of emails that are boring, meaningless, lengthy or very annoying and rude. This will never get you the desired outcome what you expect out of that communication, because you are not present there for a rebuttle and soothe things immediately. Instead emails written perfectly can work better than verbal or telephonic communication.

We will discuss on 10 very basic points that are indispensable, when it comes to writing emails. In other words they are the Salient Features of Email Etiquette.

- Be concise and to the point, as far as possible.
- Include a courteous greeting and closing.
- Spell check – take the typo-errors very seriously.
- Incorporate all relevant information that is essential to understand your request or point of view.
- Use appropriate punctuation, to structure your sentences and phrases.
- Do not use emoticons to prospective employers or for strict business emails.
- Do not write in upper case, it appears rude, use Capitals to highlight a word/s in between if needed.
- Use a meaningful subject; it should convey the basic gist of the subject matter in the body of the email.
- Don't hesitate to say thank you, how are you, or appreciate your help
- Less usage of multiple colours in the body of the email- that may at times is difficult to read and hence the content may be missed.

Hence like we always had a letter-writing section in all our Grammar books. All of us remember our Wren & Martins I am sure, where we learnt how to write different kind of personal, official or business, condolence, Congratulatory letters etc, here now, this is a new age letter writing method. With the outright popularity of Internet and emails becoming the core of communication system, email etiquette plays a very prominent role in effective communication. Whether for business or personal, it is imperative, that you follow the basics of email etiquette. By doing so you will not only be a joy to communicate with but would also be perceived as a warm, understanding and intelligent human being.