Download - Writing in the Real World
WRITING IN THE REAL WORLDEmails
Summary of Email Writing
Address barCopy to…
BLIND copy to
PARTS OF AN EMAIL
Subject line
We have looked at the different PARTS of an email…
Review: Subject LinesThe Subject is more important than the email itself, it should be focused, clear and informative
Strong Subjects:•Invitation to the ABC Conference, Nov 2009 •Application for Account Manager Position #413 – Jane Smith CV •Agenda for the meeting on Monday, 10am •Party Invitation for John, Sally and Martin •Updates on the building plans •Meeting scheduled for Oct 15, Thursday @ 10am •Great craft ideas using recyclable materials
Weak Subjects:•[blank] •Hi, Hello, How are you? •First line of the email message •Words to avoid: Help, Percent Off, Reminder, Free
Review: Greetings
Example Greetings: don’t misspell the name!
•Dear [name], •Hi [name], •Hi, •Hello [name], •Hello, •To whom it may concern,
Review:Opening Sentences
Example Opening Sentences
•Following our phone conversation, I am sending you… •Attached please find the documents you requested regarding… •In regards to the upcoming pilot program, I have listed below the tasks and deadlines that need to be completed. •Further to our last discussion, I would like to bring to your attention the following issues: •As we agreed, there will not be … •Please reconsider our proposal for … •In response to your job post for Marketing Director, please find below a brief overview of my skills. I have also attached my CV for your review.
Email information
Example Email Information in Detail:
•details, information and actions required.•Here is the detailed list: •In addition to the attached agenda, please click on this link http://www... •To register for the online event, please go to...
Review:Closing SentencesExample Closing Sentences:
•I look forward to your reply. •Thank you for the time you have taken to review my candidacy for the position. •Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. •Thank you, in advance, for your time. •I await receipt of the information we discussed. •Please forward me the exact information.
Review: Closings
Example Sign-offs before the Signature:
•identify yourself, company and contact information•Sincerely, •Thank you, •Best Regards, •Thanks,
Signature
• Name• Title, company name• Email• Phone/Fax• Web Address
We have looked at the difference in styles, namely, formal, semi formal and informal.
When you write email messages, you can use two distinct styles: semi-formal and informal.
A semi-formal style is used for communicating with people you do not know well or who are outside your regular working relations. Messages written in this style are similar to business letters: they are concise and informative.
An informal personal style is used for emails with people you know well or within your company. This style is more conversational and reflects spoken language.
Email Writing: Being ClearWhen writing an email message in a business situation, it is important to include all the necessary details.
Not providing adequate details could cause miscommunication or delays. On the other hand, providing too many or irrelevant details will make your message unclear.
Clear message
Short, and to the point…
No unnecessary information
Follows the KISS principle… (keep it short and simple)
We have looked at the different emoticons…
The following acronyms and abbreviations are commonly used in business writing.
1. asap 6. Att. 11. c/o2. FYI 7. Encl. 12. n/a3. TTYL 8. Cc 13. i.e.4. FAQs 9. Bcc 14. w/5. BTW 10. e.g. 15. tks.
As soon as possibleFor Your InformationTalk To You LaterFrequently Asked QuestionsBy The Way
AttachedEnclosedCarbon CopyBlind Carbon CopyFor Example
Care ofNot applicableFor exampleWiththanks
We have looked at the different acronyms that are commonly used in emails.
We have looked at the different rules and conventions for writing email.
We have looked at the different opinions on the importance of punctuation and spelling.
We have looked at what we might do if we received an inappropriate email.
Final TouchesDon’t forget to check your spelling before you send your message
If you need to attach a file, click here.
Top 10 Email Writing Tips
The Top 10 Do’s
1.Write a meaningful subject line; don’t repeat first line of your email in your subject line. 2.Keep the message focused and readable. 3.Avoid large attachments. 4.Identify yourself clearly. 5.Be polite and kind. 6.Proofread, check spelling, grammar and punctuation. 7.Be professional at work and informal with friends; don’t use personal Email accounts for company business. 8.Respond quickly. 9.Show Respect and Restraint. 10.Use plain formatting, without stationary backgrounds, images, wallpapers or fancy stylized fonts
Key vocabularyIn this presentation, there are many words that you need to know. This is a list of a few of them. If you know the vocabulary, great! If not, you should take some time to learn the new words.
FontAttachmentHyperlinkProofreadConciseFormattingEmoticonAcronymNetiquette