Email Is a Big DealEnglish 12 / Ms. Wood / August 2012

Kind of like me…

Tips • Address whomever you are emailing (salutation)

– Ex: Hi, Ms. Wood

• Put something brief in the subject line– Ex: missing grade**** But always include your class period

• Do not use all caps; this is called SHOUTING and is rude. It can be misinterpreted as anger.

• End with a closing & your name– Ex: Thank you, Kaleb

A Word about Tone• Write in a positive tone

– When I complete the assignment versus If I complete the assignment

• Avoid using negative words–Words that begin with un, non, or ex or end with less

• Use smiles , winks ;-) and other graphical symbols only when appropriate (I myself use the smile way too much, but I do so to ensure that I am coming across friendly, as I have a tendency to appear to be stern.)

- For example, if you send lots of smiley faces to a potential employer, he might think you’re ditzy. If you send a winky face to your college professor, she might think you’re being inappropriate.

• Use contractions to add a friendly tone (This is where Author’s Purpose comes in. Your purpose in an email is different than your purpose for writing a paper, though your audience is the same – your teacher.)

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/694/01/

Important1. Do not send the email when you are mad. Go

ahead and write your email when you are mad, but send it to yourself. Then read it ½ a day later. Decide then if you want to send it: You probably won’t .

- This will save you embarassment later (seriously!)

2. Proofread all emails.3. Grammar counts – a lot! Texting & email serve

2 very different audiences.4. You are required to read your emails daily!

Tips to Make Life Easier:

1.Check your sent mail – maybe you never sent it.

2.Email yourself anything really important.

3.Don’t delete your Sent folder.

Final Word• If you send me a rude email or a

texting-type email, I will reply to you with rewrite as my message.

• You must check your email daily: It is a requirement for this course.

2 Assignments

• Let’s add your email to my website.

• Assignment: Email Me– In the subject line, put: Hi, Ms. Wood (period ____)

blwood@avon-schools.org