Forwarding email etiquette

The art of forwarding emails! While it can be a convenient way to share information, there are some etiquette guidelines to keep in mind to avoid annoying your recipients and maintain a positive online reputation. Here are some tips on forwarding email etiquette:

  1. Only forward relevant emails: Make sure the email you're forwarding is relevant to the recipient's interests or needs. Avoid forwarding unnecessary or spammy emails.
  2. Remove unnecessary parts: Before forwarding, remove any unnecessary parts of the email, such as signatures, attachments, or irrelevant text.
  3. Keep the original sender's information: Keep the original sender's name and email address in the "From" field, so the recipient knows who originally sent the email.
  4. Add a brief explanation: Add a brief explanation of why you're forwarding the email, especially if it's a long or complex message. This helps the recipient understand the context.
  5. Don't forward sensitive information: Be cautious when forwarding sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or confidential documents. Only forward sensitive information if it's absolutely necessary and you have the sender's permission.
  6. Don't forward chain emails: Avoid forwarding chain emails, also known as "forwarded emails" or "email hoaxes." These emails often spread misinformation and can be annoying to recipients.
  7. Use the "Reply All" feature wisely: When forwarding an email, use the "Reply All" feature only when necessary. This feature can be overwhelming for recipients, especially if the email is long or has many recipients.
  8. Don't forward emails with attachments: Avoid forwarding emails with attachments unless absolutely necessary. Attachments can be large, slow to download, and may contain viruses.
  9. Use a clear subject line: When forwarding an email, use a clear and descriptive subject line that summarizes the content of the email.
  10. Proofread before forwarding: Before forwarding an email, proofread it for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. This helps maintain a professional image and avoids embarrassing mistakes.

By following these guidelines, you can forward emails in a way that's respectful, efficient, and effective. Remember to always consider the recipient's perspective and the potential impact of your forwarded email.