NetiquetteThe do’s and don’ts for online communication

Formatting Your E-mail

Type in a standard font and a standard font size for your emails (example: Arial 12)

When writing to teachers, skip any fancy formatting, such as colored fonts and backgrounds

Formatting Your E-mail

Don’t write in ALL CAPS – online that is perceived as shouting

Use proper grammar and punctuation, even if the person with whom you’re corresponding doesn’t

Don’t use internet abbreviations such as BTW and TTYL

E-mail Component: The Greeting & Closing

Just like a traditional letter, you should have a salutation and a closing

After you have already begun a conversation with someone, it is okay to leave off your salutation and signature.

For example, after Mr. Anderson writes back to Janet, she could reply with a simple “Thank you” as opposed to:

Dear Mr. Anderson,

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Janet

E-mail Component: Subject Line

Some people insist that the first line of a traditional letter is the most important because it either hooks a reader or it doesn’t. In an email, the subject line is arguably the most important.

E-mail Component: Subject Line

Your subject line is only one line, but that one line should be both of the following:

Short. Don’t write an entire sentence or a long phrase

Strategic. Be as specific as possible

Sample Subject Lines

Ordinary Subject Line Better Subject Line Why It’s Better

Next step Next step – rehearse our group presentation

Specifies the next step

Information you requested Bake sale statistics Specifies what kind of information you are sending

Homework Chapter 5 questions Specifies which homework assignment you are sending

You might notice a trend – a better subject line is more specific. Think how much easier the emails with the better

subject lines would be to find in your inbox.

Convenience does not necessarily equal

informality

Write the e-mail as if you were speaking in person or on the phone – this means being civil. Always say “please” and “thank you.” Even people who are always respectful in person sometimes neglect these important phrases in an email without realizing it, but that oversight can leave an e-mail seeming rude.

Email is not necessarily confidential

Any e-mail message can be forwarded Many schools and businesses monitor email

communication

Before you send any messages, take a few seconds to reread your words. If you’ve

written anything that could embarrass you if it passed in front of the wrong eyes, take it out.

Creating Excellent E-mail

The “E” doesn’t stand for “easy way out” Format your email Proofread your e-mails for errors Use a greeting and a signature Use subject lines that are specific Be polite Don’t write anything that could embarrass

you or someone else