H O W T O W R I T E E M A I L S
T H A T P E O P L E A C T U A L L Y
R E A D
Make your subject line
stand out. Provide a clear,
specific subject line that
conveys the essential
purpose of your message.
Get to the point. FAST!
Quickly communicate your
main point within the first
two sentences. The closer
to the beginning of the
email, the better.
Keep it focused. Don’t try
to squeeze in more than
ONE purpose or main idea
per email. It will only
distract your reader or get
lost in translation.
Determine your ask of the
reader. What do you want
them to do? When do you
need their response? Don’t
leave out these critical
details.
Think positive. Focus on
using positive language,
such as happy, value,
opportunity, appreciate,
etc. Always thank people
for their contributions.  Know your audience.
Read your sentences out loud.
Are you struggling? If so, try
to un-complicate your
sentences so they are easily
understood, especially for
non-native English speakers.
Aim to stick to 30 words per
sentence.
One idea per sentence.
Enough said.  
Include all relevant contact
information and attachments.
Don’t drown in a sea of text.
In terms of overall format,
break your sentences up with
white space, with paragraphs
no longer than six lines. Use
visual tactics to draw
attention to key points, such
as bold, italicized or
numbered text. Use color
sparingly for impact.
     Check your slang at the
door. Avoid emails littered
with abbreviations, acronyms
and other terms that your
readers may not recognize.