8 Email Etiquette Tips - How to Write Better Emails at Work | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Learning the unspoken rules of professional email writing can greatly impact how competent you are perceived to be by your colleagues.

Key Insights

• 💼 Well-crafted emails not only showcase strong communication skills but also save the reader time by providing relevant information.
• 💡 Include a clear call to action in the email subject line, specifying what needs to be done and how much time it will take.
• 📧 Stick to one email thread for the same topic to provide context and avoid cluttering inboxes.
• 👥 Explain in email threads why recipients were added or removed to keep everyone informed.
• 📌 Always start emails with your main point first, followed by the necessary context, to avoid confusion or burying important information.
• 📝 When receiving disorganized emails, summarize the sender's main points in your reply to ensure understanding and help them organize their thoughts.
• 🔗 Hyperlink external websites or videos instead of pasting long, clunky URLs to improve readability and prevent mistakes.
• ️ Set default email settings to reply instead of reply all to contain any potential mistakes or unwanted recipients. ⏰ Increase the "undo send" option to 30 seconds to catch and rectify errors before they are received by the recipient.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is the benefit of having a clear call to action in the email subject line?

Having a clear call to action in the subject line provides context and allows the recipient to understand the urgency and time commitment required for the task, making it easier for them to prioritize and respond accordingly. It saves the reader's time by providing relevant information upfront.

Q: Why is it important to stick to one email thread for the same topic?

Using one email thread for the same topic ensures that all relevant information and context are easily accessible to everyone involved. It avoids confusion and helps maintain a clear record of communication. It also prevents unnecessary clutter in the recipient's inbox.

Q: How can explaining why recipients are added or removed from an email thread be beneficial?

Clearly stating who has been added or removed in the email thread helps keep everyone informed and avoids confusion. It shows transparency and allows recipients to understand why they have been included or excluded from the conversation. This helps maintain clear communication and prevents misunderstandings.

Q: Why is it important to include the main point of the email first?

Including the main point of the email first ensures that the recipient immediately understands the purpose and request of the email. By providing the main point upfront, followed by necessary context, you allow the recipient to quickly grasp the key information without having to read through unnecessary details. This improves clarity and saves the recipient's time.

Q: What is the benefit of summarizing the main points for the sender in your reply?

Summarizing the sender's main points in your reply helps confirm your understanding of the message and ensures that you address the intended issues or questions accurately. It also shows the sender that you have taken the time to organize their thoughts and helps them see the key points at a glance. This helps improve communication and efficiency.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Having a clear call to action in the email subject line helps provide context and saves the reader time.

• Stick to one email thread for the same topic to avoid confusion and unnecessary clutter in the recipient's inbox.

• Clearly explain why recipients are added or removed from an email thread to keep everyone informed and avoid misunderstandings.