The Do’s and Don’ts of Email Etiquette..

Ah, email. The modern-day way to communicate without actually talking to anyone. A slightly light hearted but honest perspective….

But be warned—every email you send is a snapshot of your professional persona. So, before you hit “send,” take a moment to reflect on what kind of impression you’re leaving. Here are some email etiquette tips to ensure you’re not the next viral office disaster.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t scream in ALL CAPS—unless you're trying to impersonate a frustrated teenager. Use caps for emphasis, not as a substitute for a normal conversation.

2. Don’t send huge attachments—surprise! Your 50MB PowerPoint is probably going to crash someone's inbox. Ask first!

3. Don’t email when angry—unless you want to regret it. Sleep on it; your anger will be replaced by rational thinking (and possibly embarrassment) in the morning.

4. Don’t drink and email—This isn’t just a bad idea; it’s a recipe for a communication disaster.

5. Don’t CC everyone—Not everyone needs to know what you are doing. Save the email chain for those that actually do!

6. Don’t pitch via email—Call them! It’s 2025 - bring back the personal touch.

Do’s:

1. Be polite—“Please” and “Thank you” aren’t optional. They’re like email deodorant; they just make everything more pleasant.

2. Mind your tone—It’s easy to sound snarky when you’re typing fast. Remember, sarcasm doesn’t always come across in email.

3. Get to the point—No one has time for your story. Be concise.

4. Use spell check—Bad spelling says, “I’m too lazy to care,” and no one wants to work with that person.

5. Proof read—You get one shot at first impressions, and once you send that email, it’s out there forever.

6. Be courteous with greetings and sign-offs—A simple “Hello” and “Regards” go a long way. Not using them? That's just rude.

And finally, be respectful of others’ time—if it’s after hours, don’t expect a lightning-fast reply. We’re all human…

Food for thought!