While I am by now resigned to being addressed by my first name in emails by people I have never met, I seriously object to anyone concluding a missive with an "x". This has got me thinking in general about email etiquette.
I never know whether to open with "Dear so-and-so" or "Hi",
or to sign off with a "Cheers," "Regards," "Best" or "Yours".
I'd hate to seem either over-friendly or over-formal. What do you suggest?
I think this is an interesting question because I don't believe there's a particularly defined etiquette regarding email, whereas there is with letter writing. Because email just evolved, there isn't any rules associated with it, although we all know what's right and wrong.
It's mostly to do with your relationship with that person in particular. I would always start my email off in the same way I would start a letter and it would always be "Dear so and so," then sign off "Yours sincerely".
As the relationship evolves, the language might change but I would gauge that from the evolution of the relationship. Another factor is the other person's view — because there isn't a special rule or structure to follow, you have to read how the other person is feeling. If their language becomes more informal, it's then appropriate for your language to follow suit. Go for polite then read the relationship and work out the most appropriate way to take it from there.
I don't like it when people get over-familiar too quickly on email — it's no different to building a relationship any other way. Some people that I email on a regular basis have still not progressed beyond the "Dear so and so" stage. If it feels odd and you don't like it, don't do it. Don't push the boundaries and force the relationship against your better instincts. I have never, ever (unless it's been to my mother!) put kisses on the end of an email. Why would I if I'd never met the person? It's just trying to create a false relationship and it turns me off mightily.
Deborah Meaden is author of Common Sense Rules, £18.99
BUY IT HERE: Common Sense Rules: What You Really Need to Know About Business
blog comments powered by
