E-mail Etiquette

Electronic mail is a means of communication with people. It is also the cheapest and one of the fastest ways of communication However, just as in other forms of communication, some basic etiquette must be followed. 

  For instance, if you ask for something in your e-mail, you should say 'please'. Similarly, if someone does something for you, do reply and say 'thank you'. Moreover, include enough information in your mail if you ask a question or make a query to which you expect an answer. 

  After sending an e-mail, do not expect an immediate answer. Very often, we have to wait for a while before receiving a reply. Just because you do not get an answer from someone in ten minutes, it does not mean that the person is ignoring you. So there is no cause for offence. Never send another e-mail to tell the person off. 

  When composing an e-mail message, make sure you read it over again before sending it. Spending time on making your e-mail clearer is time well spent and worth your effort. If the sentences are unclear or ambiguous, you have to take some time to rephrase them to make them comprehensible. Lastly, always use a signature for your mail. The signature identifies who you are. You do not want the receiver to wonder who has sent the mail. 

  By observing these simple rules, your e-mail is likely to be well received. Th e outcome is that you will receive in return courteous and satisfactory e-mails too.