12. 12
[1/10] Subject Lines: Clear & Detailed
BAD Subject Lines
Read Immediately!! Urgent! / Important!!
Quick Question Our meeting My CV
Help Follow up
What to do?
Gentle reminder
Great News
Two things
13. 13
[1/10] Subject Lines: Clear & Detailed
Why?
Because they tell us if and/or when to read an Email!
They should clearly include:
1. Subject Matter.
2. Purpose.
3. Action to be Taken.
Poor Good Better
Staff Meeting
Bi-Weekly Staff Meeting,
Dec. 12, 12:30-1:00PM
Bi-Weekly Staff Meeting for
Updates, Dec. 12, 12:30-
1:00PM
14. 14
[2/10] Start Outlining to Improve Skim Value
Reduce the number of paragraphs.
Limit the paragraph length to 1-3 lines.
Use list and outline format as much as possible
16. 16
[3/10] Specify Desired Reader Response
Tips:
If you want the recipient to take action, put their
name in “To”, not in “CC”.
With multiple recipients, list each name with
action items.
Always provide a specific deadline.
20. 20
[5/10] BLUF It
Bottom Line Up Front
--State your purpose in opening sentence
To Inform To Persuade To Request
“The purpose of this email
is to outline…..”
“Below is a proposal for
upgrading…..”
“Please review the
attached file and…..”
Why?
Ensure Clarity for the writer
Ensure clarity for the reader
21. 21
[6/10] Observe Email Etiquette
Modify subject lines during long email threads.
Setup signature line to appear automatically.
Resist “Reply All”.
Observe the 24-hour Rule.
Avoid irony sarcasm, jokes, and other attempts
of humor.
