Last week we heard the following: "Every email is a pitch!"
That made us think about how important a single email can be—it could launch a career or a friendship, be your first introduction, or deliver important news. We spend a lot of time at Perfectly Polished emphasizing the importance of in-person introductions, handshakes, and good communication on the phone. Yet it's so easy to send an email with barely a thought.
So, before you press "send"...check your email style! Whether you're a stream-of-conscious writer or concise with your words, you can tailor your style so you're always putting your best foot—and email—forward. Let's take it top to bottom!
First of all...YOUR ADDRESS
If you're over the age of 13, have a straightforward email address, and use your real name! This immediately sets the tone of your correspondence, and you want to be taken seriously.
THE SUBJECT LINE
Always fill this in, and make it clear and appropriate so it can easily be searched. You want your reader to know immediately what you need to discuss. Life has enough mysteries...email should not be one of them.
THE GREETING
Don't forget this part! Think of your email like a phone conversation. If you are emailing someone for the first time, a short greeting is fine, while those you know better might get a a longer greeting. Something simple like "I hope this finds you doing well" is fine!
THE BODY
Embrace brevity, especially for professional communication! Be concise and to-the-point. Remember that email is read on a variety of devices and screens, so keep information clear and thorough. (Personal emails could be lengthier, of course.)
THE SIGNATURE
For work emails, this is not just your name—it's also all your up-to-date contact information, as well as any appropriate website links. If you create an automatic signature, be sure that all the information is correct! And of course, be sure to keep everything looking professional and intelligent.
