Email Writing - Tips On How To Get Yours Read And Acted Upon

1. Consider first what it is you want to say.
   
   Is an email the most appropriate way to communicate this? Would a phone call or face-to-face conversation be more appropriate? Emails can restrict communication and relationship building in the workplace.
   
   
2. Prepare your message.
   
   Draft it or jot down some key points. Though this may take a little more time it should be done if the information in the message is important.
   
   
3. Identify yourself clearly.
   
   If this email is your first communication with the recipient, introduce yourself and the purpose of your communication. If you have spoken in the past remind them of this.
   
   
4. Take into account what the recipient of your message needs to hear.
   
   Do they already know a lot about the subject - if so, don't bore them with a detailed history. Are they technically qualified to deal with the information you are giving them?
   
   
5. Make sure the message is transmitted effectively.
   
   Whatever the key point of the communication, make sure that it isn't lost in irrelevant material or social chit chat.
   
   
6. Keep social and business material separate.
   
   Informal and formal aspects of your email should be clearly delineated. If you have both critical and social information to communicate, you may consider sending two separate emails so neither message is buried and the critical business information is not trivialized.
   
   
7. Don't try to communicate too much information.
   
   Keep the message focused and readable. Limit yourself to two or three key points. If the message contains more, then break them down into numbered paragraphs or bullet points.

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