subject: Email Etiquette - 4 Must Follow Tips [print this page] Email Etiquette - 4 Must Follow Tips Email Etiquette - 4 Must Follow Tips
In the fast chaging age of the internet, email feels centuries old. But is was only a decade back when having an email address was the "in thing" and sending an email was a novelty. Nowadays, with the advent of Facebook, Twitter, etc. emails have lost the pride of place as the most important communications platform. Still, emails continue to be the workhorse through which we exchange some of the most sensitive and personal information.
However, few people follow proper etiquette when emailing. Many don't even bother with punctuation, while others don't disregard the need for a salutation. Email might be a more informal way of communicating, but it doesn't mean that you can ignore all rules and propriety.
1. Always include a salutation
I personally dislike mails that jump straight into the body without so much as a "Hello". Always include a salutation, even something as simple as a first name or a 'Hi' when emailing.
2. There are still people out there who have never emailed before
This may be hard to believe, but even today, thousands of people log onto the internet for the first time. Therefore, when exhchanging mails with anyone, don't assume that they know about the latest fad in online communications or the intricacies of the Windows operating system. There are still people out there who wouldn't know what 'bcc' is. Always phrase your mails in such a manner as to be readable even by such people.
3. Don't delay responding to emails
The longer you hold off on responding to an email, the greater the chances of you not replying to it at all. Therefore, always respond to a mail as soon as you can. Remember that email is supposed to be a quick means of communication. If you are going to take 10 days to reply, you might as well use postal mail.
4. Be polite
Browse through the comments section on a popular YouTube video and you will realize how scarce a resource politeness is on the internet. Whenever I receive a mail that is charmingly polite, it immediately grabs my attention and the sender gains respect, even if I don't know him. Therefore, whenever emailing anyone, take the time to be polite and kind. Terse, matter of fact emails can just come across as rude. Be polite, and you will put a smile on the recepient's face.
