Email skills

Tips and netiquette for emailing in English

* Add a subject that is short but specific (e.g., "Exchange project", “A question about class”, “Requesting your assistance”)

* Formal emails for work or to teachers should start with "Dear Mr. /Ms. /Dr. /Prof. (last name),".  Add a space after "Mr.", "Dr." etc. and a comma after the name (Not: Mr.Prichard Corrected: Mr. Prichard,). In informal emails to friends or people your age, you can say "Hi (first name),". (For example, Hi Caleb,) 

* If you know the person, you may want to start with small talk. 

   >Ask a general question ("How are you? / How have you been? How was your break?") or a specific question ("How was your trip to Guam?").  

   >You can also mention what you have been up to - "I had a great break, but I'm excited about the semester starting.") 

   **Compared to Japanese, Westerners are less likely talk about the weather or ask about their health.

* If the person does not know you, introduce your background (e.g., "This is Asami Tanaka. I'm a student in your class."  "This is Asami Tanaka. I'm your exchange partner.")

* If you are replying to a message, thank the sender for the email and respond to all the questions.

* Email messages should be short, specific, and organized. Paragraphs are shorter, not indented (put a blank line between two paragraphs).

* If you are sending a link to a webpage, like your blog, select a word with your mouse, click the link button on paste the URL. The link should look like this: "Please check out my blog here. I would appreciate your comments!"

* At the end of the message, it is nice to wish the person a nice day, weekend, semester, etc., and/or thank the person. "Thanks so much for this. Have a nice weekend!"

* In formal emails, first write “Sincerely,”  or "Regards," on a new line (with comma). In informal emails, write "Thanks," "See you," or "Cheers,".

* Write your name at the end (First name only for informal emails and first name and then last name for formal emails.)

* Check your spelling and grammar for formal emails!

* Don't use emoticons, like (*o*) or emoji 😆, or web lingo ("LOL", "WTF?") in formal emails.  

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Good formal email example

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Dear Mr. Prichard,

This is Asami Tanaka, a student in your class. I hope you had a nice weekend!

I'm writing because I have a question about my assignment. How many pages should it be? Also, can you remind me of the deadline?

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Asami Tanaka

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Poor example

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Dear Mr.Prichard

I hope you are healthy.

How many pages should the essay be?

Also, can you remind me of the deadline?

Sorry to bother you.

                                Asami

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Terrible example (no greeting, poor spelling, no name in English, no space between paragraph)

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Sensei.

Tell me how many paig for essai.

When can I give? I am late. Pleaz accept.

Sorry to disturb you.  --田中麻美

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Good informal email example

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Hey Caleb,

How are things? I am doing well. I am excited because I am taking a trip to Okinawa soon!

I have a question about my assignment. How many pages should it be? Also, can you remind me of the deadline?

Finally, please check out my blog here. I would appreciate your comments!

Thanks!

Asami