E-mail Etiquette

1. E-mail Etiquette
Shawnee Heights High School

2. Keep it Professional
• Use a positive tone.
• Use standard English. Texting language is too casual.
• Use a professional font.
• Use emoticons such as smiles and winks on a very limited basis and only when
appropriate.
Professional Example:
Dear Ms. Smith,
I was absent from school on Monday due
to illness. May I turn in my assignment
on Wednesday?
Sincerely,
Mike Smith
Unprofessional Example:
Hey,
I was thrown’ up all weekend  and I
can’t get it 2gether 2 get my stuff
turned in. Can u cut me some slack?
M
E-mail Etiquette

3. Use a Salutation
• Check the correct spelling of the recipient’s name.
• Use the correct honorific title (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.).
• Always use a salutation no matter how many times you have corresponded with
the teacher.
Examples:
Dear Ms. Smith, (formal)
Hi, Ms. Smith! (informal)
E-mail Etiquette

4. E-mail Etiquette
Be Specific in the Subject Line
• Be as specific as possible in the subject line.
• Give the recipient an idea of the content of the message.
Ineffective Subject Line Effective Subject Line
Question Question about WWII Research Paper
Paper Author Research Jr. English Paper

5. Be Concise
• Get to the point of your message stating your problem or request right away.
• Provide all necessary details without rambling.
Professional Example:
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am having trouble with the point slope
formula. May I come to your room for
help sometime this week?
Sincerely,
Mike Smith
Unprofessional, Rambling Example:
Dear Ms. Smith,
I was working on my math last night and I
am stuck. I tried to look it up online and
texted my friends but no one gets it.
Math is just too hard. Could you help me
some time?
Sincerely,
Mike Smith
E-mail Etiquette

6. Use Proper Punctuation and Grammar
• The use of proper punctuation tells the recipient that you are serious and
conscientious.
Professional Example:
• Remember to capitalize “I”.
Dear Ms. Smith,
Use Complete sentences.
I was absent from school on Monday due
• to illness. May I turn in my assignment
• Spell Check!
on Wednesday?
Sincerely,
• Do not use abbreviations or slang.
Mike Smith
Unprofessional Example:
Smith
Whatz up i was sick Monday so I can’t
turn in my papr
Mike
E-mail Etiquette

7. Use a Closing
• Use an appropriate closing.
• Sign off with your first and last names. No nick-names.
Professional Examples:
Sincerely,
Paige Turner
Respectfully,
Paige Turner
E-mail Etiquette

8. E-mail Etiquette
Shawnee Heights High School