In this Internet based world, who couldn't stand to learn a few tips on writing emails? Chances are, you send out quite a few emails today. They all might be of various natures-friendly, professional, resumes, planning for events, etc. However, there are some basic tips and procedures that you can follow for any type of email that you write.
As with any piece of writing, you must know and understand your audience. Sending an email with typographical errors to an English professor is not appropriate. However, if you're sending an email to your favorite aunt, you do not want to make the writing sound stuffy or boring. A letter of that nature should be more casual, and take on a caring tone.
Even if you're composing an email to a close friend or relative, it reflects poorly on you if you have a lot of grammar and/or spelling mistakes. Re-read the email through a couple of times. Doing so will allow you to check for grammar and spelling errors, but will also let you double check that the writing makes sense. You want your reader to understand the point that you are trying to get across. If words are not correct, the meaning of the message may be skewed.
Once again, even if the email is more on the casual side, it does not hurt to exercise some proper letter writing etiquette. Start the email with "Dear" or simply insert the person's name followed by a comma. At the end, add some sort of closing statement. For example, if the recipient is helping you out with an issue, "Thank you for your time and consideration" would be appropriate. If you're writing an email to a friend about plans for the weekend, you could simply add your name to the end of the email. Adding these little touches shows the recipient that you put some thought and effort into composing the message.
When you receive an email, do you like to squint and struggle in order to be able to read the writing? Certainly not! Do not send an email full of bright or light colors on bright or light backgrounds. Stick with a basic blue or black font. The recipient should not be annoyed by reading your message. Furthermore, don't go overboard on attachments, photographs, or pictures in the box of the email. Emails that take forever to load often do not get read because the recipient simply gives up on waiting!
Now that you have read some tips on writing emails, put them into practice the next time that you compose a message. Above all, think about the type of email that would be appropriate for your recipient, and think about what type of email you would want to receive if you were in his or her position.