Write a great email in 8 easy steps

Category: Communication
Reference: Marc Cenedella, 2 Apr 2007, Technology Ladder newsletter

1. Your subject line should say why you are sending the email – this allows the reader to provide a theme and stay organized
2. Cut to the chase. Quickly. – this ensures that the reader gets to the message without having to scroll down.
3. Use bold sparingly, to accentuate words that you’d like emphasized.
4. Number or alpha-bullet point – use a) b) c) or 1) 2) 3) to break up the email, clarify your main points and make responding to you easier.
5. Attach with caution! – always send .doc or .txt if you don’t know if the recipient can read PDF
6. Include a clear “call to action” – this is your request to the read to do something. What do you want the reader to do and in what timeframe.
7. Delete every word that is not absolutely essential (to achieving your meaning).
8. Check out what George Orwell, author of "1984" and "Animal Farm", has to say on the topic.