http://www.ck12.org Chapter 8. Business Documents
address. What does it say about you?
Use your name in your email address. Your first and last name, or your first initial and last name.
- Subject line: Let your reader know what you are writing about.
The subject line of your email should be clear and meaningful. You should assume your email may be one of many
that your reader receives each day. If you want him or her to open and read your email, it is a good idea to indicate
what you are writing about in the subject line.
The person you are emailing may be a very busy person. He or she may decide whether or not to open your email
based upon the subject line.
A common problem with subject lines is that they are typically too vague. Here are some subject lines you
should avoid.
- Hi
- Question
- ____ (blank)
- My paper
Good subject lines indicate exactly what the content of the email will be. This makes it easier for your reader
to prioritize and respond to your email.
- Article on the Police School Monument
- Fraternity meeting this Friday
- Question about Exam 2
- Greeting: Begin your email in a friendly and courteous manner.
It is always appropriate to start your email with “Dear...” and then list the person’s title and last name. (e.g.: Dear
Mr. Johnson; Dear Dr. Williams)
- The content of your email: A well-written email will be well received by your reader.
When you compose your email, use standard spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. Indicate to your reader that
you respect them. You want your message to be well received by your reader. If the language is too casual, or if
there are spelling or grammar errors, then you will make the wrong impression on your reader.