These rules are guidelines that will help you avoid mistakes, i.e., offend someone when you didn’t mean to.

1. Write Perfect Subject Lines
The subject line can irresistibly pull readers into opening your message and reading every single word of it.

To compose the perfect email subject:

• Convey the core of your message in the subject line.
• Email subjects need to be concise. Skip articles, adjectives and adverbs.

2. Take Another Look Before You Send a Message
You can avoid misinterpretations by:
Allowing every message at least some minutes to rest after you have written it and before you press the “Send” button.

Reread and reconsider the whole message when you return to it, preferably from the recipient’s perspective.

You’ll be surprised at how many ambiguities you’ll clear up even in short and simple emails by doing this.

3. Keep Emails Short
Do not intimidate recipients with too much text.

Long emails can look intimidating and a long sequence of long paragraphs can make the recipient read less than if the message had been only about three sentences long – - three witty, concise and precise sentences.

If you do have much to write:

• Break your message into bullet points.
• Begin each point with a concise summary or the action you want taken.
• Make sure important information is not hidden in the meat of your messages or your bullet points. (more…)