Difference between revisions of "E-mail"
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It is important to notice that the subject is just a condensed version of the purpose of your email. If you are having trouble condensing your purpose it may mean you need to re-think it. | It is important to notice that the subject is just a condensed version of the purpose of your email. If you are having trouble condensing your purpose it may mean you need to re-think it. | ||
+ | Note that many email programs and services provide a similar heading for you automatically. | ||
==ABC Format== | ==ABC Format== | ||
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− | <u>Start With Proper Header Format:</u> Your email should include the date, to, from, and the subject. This is explained in the [[ | + | <u>Start With Proper Header Format:</u> Your email should include the date, to, from, and the subject. This is explained in the [[E-mail#header|header]] section. |
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− | <u>Use a Positive Conversational Style:</u> Emails are generally more casual, so use a casual style. Write as if you were talking to this person, but it is recommended to keep the slang to a minimum. | + | <u>Use a Positive Conversational Style:</u> Emails are generally more casual, so use a casual style. Write as if you were talking to this person, but note that it is recommended to keep the slang to a minimum. |
− | <u>Put Messages into Context:</u> Explain what point you are trying to make and present evidence. In the case of replying to an email include the paragraph or line that you're referring to. | + | <u>Put Messages into Context:</u> Explain what point you are trying to make and present evidence. In the case of replying to an email, include the paragraph or line that you're referring to. |
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− | <u>Use the Appropriate Format for Your Message:</u> Using uppercase or boldfacing text is a good way to make something stick such as a heading or note. Don't fear white space | + | <u>Use the Appropriate Format for Your Message:</u> Using uppercase or boldfacing text is a good way to make something stick such as a heading or note. Don't fear white space; it makes reading it easier on the eyes. Also, use bullets; people immediately notice bullets. Finally, use dividers, such as lines or asterisks, to separate sections of text. |
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− | <u>Word Processor?:</u> Lastly, when writing an | + | <u>Word Processor?:</u> Lastly, when writing an extremely important email it may be wise to write the email in a word document or any high level word processor, and include it as an attachment. This lets you use a slightly more sophisticated format. |
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+ | <u>Respond promptly:</u> If you want to appear professional and courteous, make yourself available to your online correspondents. Even if your reply is, "Sorry, I'm too busy to help you now," at least your correspondent won't be waiting in vain for your reply.<ref>http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/e-text/e-mail.htm#Prompt</ref> | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references/> | <references/> |
Latest revision as of 22:06, 10 April 2008
COMP3040 > Common Applications
Introduction
This section is designed to help you better write well structured and organized emails. You will be introduced to some helpful guidelines to follow when writing an email, how to design an email using the ABC format, and what questions to ask yourself when writing an email.
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...by studentsCheck Your Tone! There are a lot of subtleties communicated in oral communication that do not transfer over to your writing. Pay special attention to the tone your email has as you write it. The last thing you want to have is an email to a group member or co-worker that sounds threatening! HeaderWhen writing an email it is proper to use headers that describe the date, sender, receiver, and the subject of the email appropriately. Here is an example: DATE: April 3, 3008 TO: Billy Joe FROM: Rob Lumberg SUBJECT: Bridge Proposal It is important to notice that the subject is just a condensed version of the purpose of your email. If you are having trouble condensing your purpose it may mean you need to re-think it. Note that many email programs and services provide a similar heading for you automatically. ABC FormatFor any professional emails, you should be using the ABC format. This provides an organized structure for your readers to follow. There are three sections to the ABC format:
GuidelinesThese are just some of the recommended guidelines to follow for writing a professional email.[1][2][3]
References |