2. Review the Parts of an Email

Email is an important method of communication in the workplace. There are certain elements that should be included in most professional emails, but you'll find your own voice and style.

In this video, you will review the structure of a professional email and the elements to include when writing about most subjects.

Then, you will choose at least two situations to practice writing emails about.

All emails have four basic parts: A greeting, body, closing, And subject line.

You will start your email with a greeting. The greeting opens the email. It is the way the recipient is addressed. The greeting you choose should fit your audience.

Some workplaces may not require a formal title -- like Mr. or Ms. -- for a boss or coworker, but they can show respect to a customer, client, or someone you don’t know very well.

Your greeting can be addressed to one person... Or a group.

Next is the body of the email -- the main part of your message.

Your message should be clear, brief, and suited to your audience. When you practice writing your email, take the time to word your email carefully and concisely.

In a personal email or text, you might use abbreviations, incomplete sentences, and emojis to illustrate how you’re feeling. In professional emails, it’s important to use complete sentences and proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Your message should also stay on topic and avoid discussing personal information, even if you’re writing about a personal issue. After the body of the email is the closing, where you will end and sign your email. The closing should be followed with your name.

If you know the recipient well, you might be able to sign with just your first name.

If you don’t know the recipient or don’t write to them frequently, you will use your first and last name.

Finally, you will add a subject line. A subject line is like the title of your email. It communicates the main point of your message to the recipient, so they know what to expect when they open the email.

A clear and direct subject line also helps your message stand out in a long list of emails in someone’s inbox.

Now that you know the basics of writing professional emails, move on to practice writing an email for at least two situations.