1. Always give your e-mail a subject heading. Make it specific.
    
2. Be polite.
    
3. Consider privacy (e-mail is not private).

   Consider what you say about others.

   	Consider the language that you use.
   	Don’t write an e-mail letter you don’t want others to see.

4. Respect privacy.

   	Only forward messages after getting the author’s permission.
   	Don’t forward messages unless they are really important. (Avoid chain letters--spamming.)

5. Consider paragraph length (keep paragraphs short). Use space between paragraphs. Check the information on paragraphs.
    
6. Keep messages short.
    
7. Follow chain of command procedures.
    
8. Use sarcasm and humor carefully.
    
9. Consider emphasis.

   	Put the main point first?
   	Use _ underline_ or *asterisks* to emphasize points.
   	Use CAPITAL LETTERS SPARINGLY (don’t shout).

10. Check grammar and spelling.
      
11. Include your “signature” at the bottom of your email.

    Include your name, position, affiliation, other ways of contacting you.

12. Cite your sources (as necessary).
     
13. Consider formatting issues:

    	Do you want the e-mail to be formal like a letter?    “Dear Mr:” and end with “Sincerely,” . . . .
    	Do you want the e-mail to be informal like a note?    “Hi John,”
    	Do you want the e-mail to be like a formal memo?    Use the header the e-mail format provides or repeat your own header.

14. Focus on one main point.
     
15. Use lists to emphasize ideas.

	Use one sentence paragraphs for transitions.
	Never have a paragraph that is a full page long.
	Generally, paragraphs should be one third to one half a page long (using double-space).
	Be sure to vary paragraph length: use short paragraphs to emphasize points. Use long paragraphs to explain one complex idea.

Phil Druker © 2006  

thompson@uidaho.edu