Etiquette expert reveals the seven golden rules of business emails - and why you should NEVER sign off with 'best'
- Australian etiquette expert Anna Musson has outlined key uses of emails
- She recommends that business-related messages should start with 'Dear'
- They should include some kind of pleasantry and only one exclamation point
- And gossip shouldn't be spread through the office via an email device
Etiquette expert Anna Musson (pictured) shared the seven golden rules of business emails
An Australian etiquette expert has revealed the seven important rules to follow every time you write a business email - and why you should never sign off with 'best'.
Anna Musson, who runs the Good Manners company, said there is nothing more frustrating than receiving 'long, unclear and inefficient' emails from colleagues.
In a bid to fix some of the most common errors Ms Musson outlined them in a blog post on her website, explaining why every part of the message should be thoughtful and considerate.
1. Have a direct subject line
Instead of simply saying 'weekend stats' Ms Musson recommends giving the email a title that will be easy to search for later.
So something like 'Opening day times' or 'Rota for the June/July period' would be most appropriate.
'Readers often decide if they will read your email based on the subject line,' she said.
2. Start and end the email well
'Begin with "Dear Mary and Matthew", never just "Mary & Matthew" and be mindful of sounding overly familiar with expressions like, "Hi folks" and "Hey guys",' Ms Musson said.
If you're not sure if they abbreviate their name then stick to typing out the full version, like Matthew instead of Matt.
'Sign-off should be kind regards or best regards, not "cheers" and never "best", which studies have shown is actually, the worst rated sign off,' she said.
3. Don't shout in your messages
'There are very few occasions where shouting is appreciated,' Ms Musson said.
While some situations might call for you to type 'SOLD!' or 'FREE DRINKS!', most workplaces won't require a shout-infused email.
'Use of all caps should be avoided along with using colours and bold.'
While some situations might call for you to type 'SOLD!' or 'FREE DRINKS!', most workplaces won't require a shout-infused email (stock image)
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4. Include a pleasantry
Try to remember that there is an actual human being on the other side of the screen preparing to read your email.
'Go back and include a pleasantry on the first line such as, "I trust this finds you well" or "I hope you enjoyed the weekend,"' she said.
'If you are replying to a message, this should be, "lovely to hear from you" or "thanks for getting in touch."'
5. Include your signature
Ensure this is the same signature you send office-wide.
'Make sure it includes all your contact details so they know where to send the thank you flowers,' she said.
'This should include your name, title, company name, phone, email, and "Agent of the Year 2017" but don't go overboard.'
'Make sure it includes all your contact details so they know where to send the thank you flowers,' Ms Musson (pictured) said
6. Limit your exclamation points
People who fixate on grammar know that there should only be one exclamation point for every three sentences and only ever one at a time.
''Overuse can create the impression the sender is immature or emotional,' she said.
The same applies for a host of question marks applied after a sentence.
7. Assume everyone will be reading your email
Keep humour, tone and grammar in check because you never know who will be seeing your email.
'Don't pass on gossip, jokes or stern words in an email because if it gets lost in translation, that's on you, the writer,' she said.
'If in doubt, ask a friend to check it and imagine reading it in the paper.'
