The following are some DOs and DON’Ts for writing emails in the tech world.
- Omit needless words. Strunk and White’s most memorable advice is number one on the list.
- Don’t forward a long email chain with the instructions “See below” or the question “Any thoughts?” Point out which parts are relevant and why.
- Remove parts of the email chain that are now irrelevant.
- Use a new email subject when you start a new topic. It is hard to keep track of conversations when the email title is not related to the topic.
- Send a description with your meeting requests. The meeting purpose shouldn’t be a puzzle.
- Use bullets and lists; avoid long paragraphs.
- When sending three or more files, use a .zip file.
- Add your contact information often. I hate it when I have to search through all my emails to find the very first time you included your phone number.
- Avoid weird fonts and colors.
- Use a simple email signature–without an image if possible.