I use the convenience of email to communicate with our superiors, internal customers, and suppliers.
This convenience often leads to sloppiness. Sloppy emails are frequently ignored or misunderstood.
Use these guidelines to optimize your emails.
Limit The Topic - If you have more than one topic to discuss with the recipient, send one email per topic. When topics are combined, the recipient is likely to withhold a reply until ALL matters can be addressed.
Write Short Paragraphs - Limit your paragraphs to two sentences in length for optimum readability. Four short paragraphs are better than one huge paragraph.
Write Short Sentences - Strive for an average of about nine to 14 words per sentence. If a sentence uses more than 20 words, try to split it into two separate sentences.
Use Lists - If you describe three or more points about a certain topic, use a bulleted list not a long sentence.
Draw Attention To Questions - If you ask a question, put it in a paragraph by itself. When asking multiple questions, number them and place each on its own line.
Has A Clear Call To Action - Tell the person exactly what to do. An example would be: "Please review this document and email your suggestions to me."
State Any Deadlines - If you need a response by a certain date, indicate the date by which you need it. When using a date, be sure to specify whether you want the response "on" or "no later than" that date.
Be Service Oriented - When replying to internal customers, thank them in your first sentence and thank them in your last sentence.
Proofread - Ensure compliance with these guidelines and look for spelling/grammar errors, omitted words, and lack of clarity.