Composing an email
Here is a general outline for composing an email:
Subject Line
- Keep it short and to the point
- Make sure it accurately reflects the content of the email
- Avoid using all capital letters or excessive punctuation
Salutation
- Start with a formal greeting, such as "Dear [Name]" or "Hello [Name]"
- Use the recipient's name if you know it, or a generic greeting like "Dear Sir/Madam" if you don't
Body
- Clearly state the purpose of the email in the first paragraph
- Provide any necessary background information or context
- Be concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details
- Use a professional tone and avoid jargon or technical terms unless necessary
- Use paragraphs to break up the text and make it easier to read
Call to Action
- Clearly state what you are asking the recipient to do or respond with
- Provide any necessary instructions or deadlines
Closing
- End with a professional closing, such as "Best regards" or "Sincerely"
- Sign your name above your printed name
Signature
- Include your name, title, and contact information (email address and phone number)
- Consider adding a link to your website or social media profiles
Attachments
- Only attach files that are necessary for the recipient to complete the task or understand the information
- Make sure the files are in a format that can be easily opened and viewed by the recipient
- Consider including a brief description of the attachment in the email body
Here is an example of a well-composed email:
Subject: Request for Meeting to Discuss Project Update
Dear John,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a meeting to discuss the current status of our project. As you know, we are approaching a critical milestone and I would like to touch base with you to ensure we are on track to meet our deadlines.
I have attached a copy of the project schedule and a brief summary of the current progress. I would appreciate it if you could review these documents before our meeting and come prepared to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Would you be available to meet on Wednesday at 2 PM? If not, please let me know a time that works for you and I will do my best to accommodate it.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Attachments: Project Schedule.pdf, Project Update.docx
Remember to proofread your email carefully before sending it to ensure it is free of errors and easy to understand.