Do you know…?
86% of professionals say that email is their favourite way to communicate
★ Writing skills ensure effective business communication.
★ Writing skills make the difference between “good” and “bad” employees.
★ Good writing promotes your career.
★ People check their email about 15 times a day.
★ The most popular mobile device for email opens is the iPhone.
Percentage of Americans that check their email:
- while driving: 18%
- in bed: 50%
- in the bathroom: 40%
- on vacation: 79%
*Survey done by technology market research firm Radicati Group
Writing tips for effective emailing
Subject/headings – explain the subject
A. From:
B. To:
C. CC:
D. Subject: Business collaboration in China
- Really important to catch the person’s attention .
- Make the subject short and sweet.
- If you know the person well-write your name at the end of the subject.
- Be careful who you CC- avoid politics
Greetings/ Salutations
From Formal to Informal
A. Dear Sir/ Madam
B. Dear Mrs/ Ms Slava Ivanova
C. Dear Mr Schiedig
D. Dear Frank/ Dear All
E. Hi Frank,
F. Νο greetings
- Know who you are writing to.
- If you start your greeting formally, stay formal throughout the email.
- In Business emailing, try not to get ‘too’ informal.
Explain why you are writing
A. I am writing to discuss your business idea…
B. I am following up as promised , regarding …
C. I am emailing you regarding the…
D. Just a quick note to let you know that..
- Use linkers such as, in addition to, moreover, firstly, secondly, thirdly, lastly to extend the reasons of the email.
- Try not to write a letter but rather a short summary of the situation.
Salutations/sign-offs
A. Thanks for your cooperation/understanding.
B. Please feel free to contact us.
C. Please don’t hesitate to
D. I am looking forward to seeing/hearing from
E. I look forward to seeing/hearing from you.
From Informal to Formal
- Kisses /Hugs
- Goodbye.
- Affectionately yours
- Best regards/ Warm wishes
- Name / Title underneath
- Sincerely yours
Writing tips using the RAPTs method
R = repetition of similar words- avoid this mistake using synonyms and phrasal verbs and phrases.
A = articles/adjectives – use the right one- a/an/the- be colourful and use descriptive (strong) adjectives like ostentatious (instead of showy) or cranky (instead of tired).
P = punctuation/prepositions, patterns ( verbs ), phrasal verbs and phrases.
T = tenses used in a correct manner.
S = spelling and syntax
