8 Email Etiquette Tips - How to Write Better Emails at Work

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  • Опубликовано: 14 май 2024
  • Learning the unspoken rules for writing professional emails can improve how competent you appear in the eyes of colleagues.
    00:00 Why bother with email etiquette?
    01:19 Include CTA in subject line
    02:13 One email thread per topic
    02:48 Manage recipients
    03:27 Start with the main point
    04:30 Summarize in your reply
    05:10 Hyperlink whenever possible
    05:38 Change default setting to "Reply" (not "Reply all")
    06:06 Change undo send options
    In this HBR collaboration with RUclips creator Jeff Su ( / jeffsu , you'll learn how to better organize your communications and avoid a lot of rookie mistakes that can lead to embarrassment or worse.
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    #HarvardBusinessReview #Email #Etiquette
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Комментарии • 894

  • @trinitygao3418
    @trinitygao3418 2 года назад +588

    That 30-second undo Gmail rule simply saved my life!

    • @Jeff-yq6qr
      @Jeff-yq6qr 2 года назад +3

      Talk about being less stressed about being cautious not to hit send accidentally! Love it.

    • @tural.ahmatov
      @tural.ahmatov 2 года назад +11

      I just always send scheduled mails. Gives me time to review before sent + looks cool to send precisely at 9.00 or 10.30 :)

    • @techaddictdude
      @techaddictdude 2 года назад +1

      Why did you accidentally send nudes to someone?

    • @DukeAshvin
      @DukeAshvin Год назад

      Even for me too - Gmail Undo Sent !

  • @osedanielusifoh340
    @osedanielusifoh340 2 года назад +1146

    Beginning with the action required, then adding context at the end of an email is a new one for me, and makes so much sense.

    • @nargiskhatun43
      @nargiskhatun43 2 года назад +2

      What do you think about AI email or article copywrite tools? I think it can escalate your work time. If you are interested let me know.

    • @xPentag0n
      @xPentag0n 2 года назад

      You can look up the Pyramid Principles the book describes detailed how to write specific texts

    • @jainamshah4819
      @jainamshah4819 2 года назад +3

      Absolutely True 👍

    • @ayushtyagi8291
      @ayushtyagi8291 Год назад +2

      Same here. Totally agree.

    • @GB-TX
      @GB-TX Год назад +1

      Shockingly excellent - so accurate!

  • @jihancessar7156
    @jihancessar7156 2 года назад +125

    "Summarize in your reply" is my favorite one. It makes you a bit organized and professional.

    • @sirena7116
      @sirena7116 2 года назад +4

      Not only that, but it impresses the recipient because you read their email in detail.

    • @jenkinsj9224
      @jenkinsj9224 Год назад +1

      @@sirena7116 But if the recipient happens to a boomer boss, he would think you are an a$$hole and would ask why the *uck you sent me back the same mail😂

    • @roxanne_george
      @roxanne_george 9 месяцев назад +1

      Yes, I did this a few times too in the past and was surprised how well it was received.

  • @ninjamiann
    @ninjamiann 2 года назад +280

    I usually just schedule send of +3mins so I can have a longer "undo send" because murphy's law in the workplace is very real

    • @sssbhati
      @sssbhati 2 года назад +2

      Totally relatable.!!

    • @cinnamon5187
      @cinnamon5187 2 года назад +2

      How do you do that in Gmail? It only gives you a Max of 30s?

    • @omkarrajebhosale4153
      @omkarrajebhosale4153 2 года назад +4

      @@cinnamon5187 schedule send

    • @sigma_z
      @sigma_z 2 года назад +18

      As a Principle Architect, I have mine is set to +365 days.

    • @kirstyann
      @kirstyann 2 года назад +1

      Amazing!!! Going to totally do that

  • @samantharouth7229
    @samantharouth7229 2 года назад +213

    I am a wordy writer in emails, but the call to action first and then context, along with the main info on the email header is my big take aways! Thank you so much for the great tips and tricks. Great learning expereince!!

    • @stacysimmons6042
      @stacysimmons6042 2 года назад +3

      Samantha, this made me chuckle: "I am a wordy writer in emails..." the use of 7 words to describe yourself as wordy. CLASSIC. We both hold tickets to the same show! Be well =)

    • @andrewasonibare
      @andrewasonibare Год назад +1

      @@stacysimmons6042 I refuse to raise my hand in this room. lol. I even started to just be quiet in WhatsApp group chats and all because I just tend to be verbose. I see a great angle and I want everyone to just see it in technicolor as I do. While I have some raving fans of my clarity of thinking and presentation, apparently, not everyone gives a hoot. Am I doing it again? Oh well...
      Hi, I'm Andrew and I'm a verbaholic :)

    • @andrewasonibare
      @andrewasonibare Год назад +3

      @Samantha Routh :)
      Great learning experience!!
      CONTEXT: I am a wordy writer in emails, but the call to action first and then context, along with the main info on the email header is my big take away! Thank you so much for the great tips and tricks.

  • @JeffSu
    @JeffSu 2 года назад +171

    Thanks for having me HBR 😁

    • @phoebeq6331
      @phoebeq6331 2 года назад +3

      As your fan from the beginning, seeing u partner with HBR makes me feel so prooooud!

    • @JeffSu
      @JeffSu 2 года назад +2

      @@phoebeq6331 thanks Phoebe!

    • @prakharaug
      @prakharaug 2 года назад +3

      Thanks Jeff for the awesome content 😍

    • @ankitasaxena5891
      @ankitasaxena5891 2 года назад +1

      Hyperlink suggestion was awesome. Wished I had seen this earlier. You gained one subscriber today 🎉

    • @JeffSu
      @JeffSu 2 года назад +2

      @@ankitasaxena5891 awesome! Glad to hear it Ankita 😁

  • @achieving.excellence
    @achieving.excellence 2 года назад +80

    Considering the volume of emails we read on a daily basis - this type of email etiquette would save so much time and effort if emails are structured in this way. Thank you!

  • @Wyfind
    @Wyfind 2 года назад +35

    My biggest tip: Add line breaks and consider bolding. It takes a lot of time to treasure hunt through one large block of text

  • @noumaan
    @noumaan 2 года назад +90

    As a remote team, we mostly use Slack. Some of the email etiquettes apply to Slack too. Would be nice to have a separate video on Slack etiquettes.

    • @JonathanBaillieStrong
      @JonathanBaillieStrong Год назад +5

      THIS!!!!

    • @houdasbaa4368
      @houdasbaa4368 3 месяца назад

      Yes we use Teams , and this could be helpful to us!
      Thank you so much for all your advice!

  • @runwaychick7
    @runwaychick7 2 года назад +14

    I really like the addressing the main concern and THEN adding context!

  • @setionos
    @setionos Год назад +17

    1. Include CTA in subject line
    2. One email thread per topic
    3. Recipient management
    4. Start with main point first, then context
    5. Summarise in your reply
    6. Hyperlink whenever possible
    7. Change default setting to reply (not reply all)
    8. Change undo send option to 30 seconds

    • @yourlinuxguy
      @yourlinuxguy Месяц назад

      I didn't understand the 7th one.

  • @pavithren
    @pavithren 2 года назад +54

    The most useful takeaways for me. The tip about prioritizing the action items and moving context to later part of the email + CTA In subject. Thanks Jeff and HBR!

  • @saronighosh25
    @saronighosh25 2 года назад

    Love the 30sec undo rule, calling out the action required upfront followed by the context and the idea of adding a specific CTA (beyond just action required) in the subject title. Thanks Jeff for these actionable tips.

  • @alexk8903
    @alexk8903 2 года назад +13

    What I really appreciate is when coworkers have an appropriate signature block with all contact information and titles. Especially in lengthy chain emails.

  • @geoffscott5066
    @geoffscott5066 2 года назад +11

    I thought I knew how to write businesss email until now. I will apply most of these tips from now on. Thank you!

  • @caedengoering
    @caedengoering 2 года назад +1

    This is LEGIT. Thanks for the info. I’ve done the generic action required, but I love the specified tip. I also love the explanation of new member/removal of members, as well as giving the request up front, and context second.

  • @JeanJohn
    @JeanJohn 2 года назад +4

    Tip 2 is my favourite, been using it since I started my first job. It keeps everything organised in my mail box and I can easily find previous mails. I recently talked to my team about it because they preferred sending multiple mails on a single topic.
    I also like tip 6 - hyperlinks, ever since I discovered CTRL+K, I bade goodbye to long links in my mails.
    Thank you for sharing Jeff, I didn’t know about tip 8 on Gmail.

  • @natalieyuen7719
    @natalieyuen7719 2 года назад +25

    Love the partnership with HBR!! And I will vote for "Summarize in the reply" with your video link shared 🤣🤣🤣

  • @AD-hb6zl
    @AD-hb6zl 2 года назад

    That undo setting to 30 sec. is a life-saver!
    Thanks HBR and Jeff!

  • @derekroh4785
    @derekroh4785 Год назад

    Linking the setting, and have 30 seconds to change the e-mail were my favorites. thank you.

  • @hongngoctrinh677
    @hongngoctrinh677 2 года назад

    I love the undo tips as we usually realize the mistakes after hitting the send button. Thank you so much for all these helpful tips!

  • @AliHassan-bn4ri
    @AliHassan-bn4ri 2 года назад

    Awesome video.
    My favourite part is the importance of providing main point or raising a core question first and providing the context later. This truly gives reader the opportunity to continue reading or not.

  • @geasaw
    @geasaw 2 года назад +6

    Very helpful tips. Changing default reply to SENDER instead of REPLY TO ALL was useful for me. Also changing the UNDO SEND OPTION to 30 s was great help, avoiding lot of embarrassment and improving clarity. Thanks a ton .. 🙂

  • @aslgoofy3889
    @aslgoofy3889 2 года назад

    I just found your channel! I love the undo to 30 seconds, and moving the action item to the top. From another video I watched, i liked the 1:1 meeting agenda/action items/notes feature. I actually have stopped your videos to make those changes and templates immediately! This info is invaluable! Thank you and I am sure my boss and employees thank you, too!

  • @yuntingtan5855
    @yuntingtan5855 2 года назад +1

    Dang! thank you!!! The last tip is my fav , but really, the two last tips were a lifesaver and the “action then context” helps me get confidence that I need to lean towards this style as I have been using both action-context and context-action. Thank YOU Jeff and HBR for this much needed content

  • @bobbirowlett6728
    @bobbirowlett6728 Год назад +1

    I think my favorite is to add a subject line with action item noted. Close second to that is noting people you add or remove from the thread and why. I tend to group my message as you stated, but the tips you offered will make it even better. Thank you!

  • @alexisabakasanga
    @alexisabakasanga 2 года назад

    I love how he smiles and pushes forward the information, very informative video!

  • @RickVigil-mh8wz
    @RickVigil-mh8wz 21 день назад

    I absolutely LOVE the tip to include the main point/ask first, then the context! I'll implement immediately, thank you! Such great info.

  • @Leon_George
    @Leon_George 9 месяцев назад

    You are Brilliant! I struggle with all these social etiquette things, and having someone lay it out for me, is so invaluable.

  • @GB-TX
    @GB-TX Год назад +1

    I almost rolled my eyes at this email, thinking I didn't need to listen because I'm a solid email-writer.... but this man just blew my mind! I'm humbled! Great advice across the board. They seem so simple and obvious and yet, rarely do people use these tips. But boy would I appreciate/and be more responsive if they did!

  • @pandancake683
    @pandancake683 2 года назад +3

    Those examples were gold. Loving the thought put into them!

  • @marietjiegeldenhuys4539
    @marietjiegeldenhuys4539 6 месяцев назад

    Such sensible tips! The call to action in subject line and the "ask" first with context provided as secondary information

  • @rolandstaton4473
    @rolandstaton4473 18 дней назад

    I appreciate the entire video. Action then context is my favorite part.

  • @mercurious6699
    @mercurious6699 2 года назад

    Loved the suggestion to change the default to 'reply' - so simple, so useful. Thank you!

  • @Jeff-yq6qr
    @Jeff-yq6qr 2 года назад +7

    I definitely like #4 the most and I've actually be thinking about doing this in my sales emails for quite some time. I haven't been sure if it's too uncomfortably straight forward or not, but It makes sense, though.. get to the "ask" first and then color it with context later. Even when I read emails, I automatically go to the bottom to see what the "ask" is, and then go back up to read the context.

  • @mjoeuson
    @mjoeuson Год назад

    I’ve been so nervous about my new job, and I literally feel like your videos are saving my life lol THANK YOU!! God sent.

  • @w.w.sakbeh571
    @w.w.sakbeh571 2 года назад +2

    Congratulations on the HBR collaboration, Jeff!

  • @ijaen
    @ijaen 2 года назад +44

    For complex emails I have trained my teams in the past on this: every complex email that needs a clear outcome needs: WHAT needs to be done. WHO is responsible of doing it. WHY it needs to be done, for context or training for new starters. WHEN or deadlines and sometimes HOW the task needs to be done to meet expectations.
    Emails don’t need to be long, need to be clear.
    A very long email should be a memo.

  • @TheJosephSim
    @TheJosephSim 2 года назад

    just started a new job - last week I was watching your CV tips - you're a lifesaver Jeff

  • @inkhotel
    @inkhotel 2 года назад

    Love this, Jeff! Some tips I already practice (e.g. summarizing a long-winded note in my reply), but the new-to-me one is stating the need first, with context following. Using it already.

  • @chinleepek
    @chinleepek 11 месяцев назад

    Thanks for sharing, Jeff! One of the email etiquette which I usually use is manage recipients and found it very useful and important. Sometime I do summarization of emails as I find it is important for me to ensure I am actually responding correctly in things that matters.

  • @uero-ro
    @uero-ro 2 года назад +18

    I appreciate how this video about how communicate well via email was communicated to us well with a clearly structured video formatted with introductory overview and segmented sections with timestamps.

    • @ksmith1964
      @ksmith1964 2 года назад +1

      Ikr? It's Excellence on so many levels! ☺️☺️☺️

  • @sanupdivakaran
    @sanupdivakaran 2 месяца назад

    The last and the final one "Change undo send" is the one which I always looks as my preventive measure whenever I am dealing with professional emails and thus that is one of my fav ❤

  • @andreambuguah
    @andreambuguah Год назад

    Thank you, I'll include the main point first and then context moving forward. I love your reply for a confusing email - the action items and recap.

  • @joytolentino779
    @joytolentino779 2 года назад +1

    Hi Jeff, what I liked is the changing of the period of sending to 30 seconds, it is a new idea and a very helpful one too. Thanks. I like organizing topics and ways not to WORK HARD BUT WORK SMART content.

  • @williamsims383
    @williamsims383 Год назад

    I love this video, his energy is so pure and focused. Came here three times.

  • @iemaj
    @iemaj 2 года назад +3

    The context part is very good . I'll definitely do that.

  • @camillecunningham7361
    @camillecunningham7361 2 года назад +2

    FEEDBACK: All Tips are new and important for me to implement. Thank you!!

  • @mokamotobuilders1499
    @mokamotobuilders1499 2 года назад

    This is very helpful! Thank you! My favorite is the "Include CTA in the subject line" and the "Change undo send options".

  • @mcartxca1990
    @mcartxca1990 Год назад

    The undo time setting is the best thing I've learned since please and thank you!

  • @andywilliams1055
    @andywilliams1055 2 года назад +2

    Apart from the great content, there are so many little things to admire in this video, such as the pop-up comments, transitions and little sound effects. Bravo and thank you 🙂

  • @sanikahahahah
    @sanikahahahah 2 года назад +2

    Such an informative video! I've always been making the mistake of summarizing before arriving at the main topic - I learnt a thing or two about context today!

  • @catherinemacgloye4679
    @catherinemacgloye4679 2 года назад

    Thanks for sharing! The 30-seconds undo will definitely come in handy.

  • @Nanna77726
    @Nanna77726 Год назад

    This is so helpful. I am about to start a new job focusing on emails, and I have watched this twice through. Thanks Jeff!!

  • @ProducedByStatus
    @ProducedByStatus Год назад

    Short, concise video with a lot of really strong examples and information. Way to go! 💯

  • @paris.granville
    @paris.granville Год назад

    I'm so glad you got Jeff Su to do this video. I would love more.

  • @RendiMahendra
    @RendiMahendra 2 года назад +1

    Tip no.1 amaze me about how easy i can add the simple to do in my subject email to help my mail recipient to understand what i want them to do 😀. Thank you!

  • @sahilsinghal9472
    @sahilsinghal9472 2 года назад

    Action required at the beginning of the email and improving the subject line are my two favourites.

  • @fungboy3
    @fungboy3 Год назад

    Definitely tip 1 and 2 . I noticed by changing the call to action the responses I got generally were faster and straight to the point from budget holders

  • @uniquekelvin
    @uniquekelvin Год назад

    My take away is the idea of beginning with the action required and then the context.
    Secondly the 30 seconds undo rule is also new to me. Perfect video, I learnt a lot.

  • @Georg8802
    @Georg8802 Год назад

    Action required first and followed by context impressed me. Thanks 😊

  • @kayodeodeyemi4397
    @kayodeodeyemi4397 Год назад

    Changing my "undo send" from 5 to 30 seconds was the most helpful tip. Thanks

  • @gautey100
    @gautey100 2 года назад

    Undo Send is my favorite one. Didn’t know it existed until I saw your video. Thanks!

  • @fernandocarrillomiranda504
    @fernandocarrillomiranda504 Год назад

    im going to make all my company employee’s watch this video before they start working for me. This helped me so much and, using this type of ettiquete makes everything way more clean and understandable. Communication is everything!!!

  • @AerielFerguson
    @AerielFerguson 2 года назад +9

    I thought I had email etiquette covered....I too learned the hard way after making mistakes at my 1st job. To my defence I was 19 and didnt know emails were a big thing in the workplace. But that point abt putting the call to action upfront and then giving the context is something Im gonna adapt since Ive been the one to generally explain before I ask for something.

  • @mahesh26sai
    @mahesh26sai Год назад

    This video is a testament that I have been writing good emails all these days

  • @mukulpanchakarla8944
    @mukulpanchakarla8944 2 года назад +1

    The undo send and context separation are helpful. Thanks!

  • @Mr999joker999
    @Mr999joker999 Год назад

    The undo option is definitely the best one for me . Much appreciated !

  • @mariamaldonado8842
    @mariamaldonado8842 2 года назад

    Love this partnership with HBR!!! Jeff is the best

  • @ZeeshanMohammad-bi8kc
    @ZeeshanMohammad-bi8kc Год назад

    Indeed, Clearly segregating the action required followed by the context helped & it really had worked as well to get the recipient's attention .

  • @MK-uh2lx
    @MK-uh2lx Год назад

    Reply all is changed to Reply as the default. That is my favorite. Thanks for all the tips!

  • @catkx
    @catkx 2 года назад +1

    Love the summarise + context format.

  • @emirarefa
    @emirarefa 2 года назад

    Start with action required and context is helpful! Also summarizing in reply is great
    Thank you for the tips!

  • @miroslavpsenek6525
    @miroslavpsenek6525 2 года назад

    Undo Send is my favorite. Had a similar situation today. Thank you.

  • @JL-xo2ed
    @JL-xo2ed 2 года назад +59

    Good information, my #1 tip when speaking, do not say "to be honest with you" comes across as not always being honest. Instead use the statement, "to be upfront with you."

    • @LSF7
      @LSF7 2 года назад +4

      This just changed my daily conversation view. I'm gonna use this in personal communications as well.

    • @JoeySteveandtheboys
      @JoeySteveandtheboys 2 года назад +1

      Saying "frankly" also works

    • @Maria-kg1nh
      @Maria-kg1nh 2 года назад

      That is a good one. Thanks. I will have to use that! God bless!

  • @karlaarce51
    @karlaarce51 Месяц назад

    The team collaboration feature is one of my favorites. It promotes healthy collaboration without sharing your credentials. Plus, the tag management system makes email selection a walk in the park!

  • @Nickabod79
    @Nickabod79 Год назад +1

    At my first big girl job in academe I wrote polite emails using many of these tips. I got dinged on my performance review for being curt in my emails. 20 years later, I feel vidicated. Thank you.

  • @hamzamabrouk7673
    @hamzamabrouk7673 2 года назад

    The reply and mostly the 30-second rule is a life saver. Thank you.

    • @hamzamabrouk7673
      @hamzamabrouk7673 2 года назад

      I think I would add the use of Grammarly extension for proper grammar and better understanding.

  • @shilpa003
    @shilpa003 Год назад

    This was one of the favourite videos I have watched so far!!

  • @astral7919
    @astral7919 Год назад

    You have come a long way Jeff. Really inspiring

  • @pritabratamallik5391
    @pritabratamallik5391 2 года назад

    I liked the tip of jumping to the main point in the beginning and giving the context later. Liked the video, can't wait to see how these tips are gonna make me a better email-er

  • @debbielahav5909
    @debbielahav5909 2 года назад

    Great video! As a teacher of business English, sharing this video with my students. Now they will see that their teacher isn't the only one....

  • @Max-es4xe
    @Max-es4xe 2 года назад

    Adding context second is a game changer. I am always emailing clients feeling the need to add the info up front so they say yes to the ask. But it makes sense that they wouldn't care as much

  • @adamel-kadi5179
    @adamel-kadi5179 2 года назад

    This video is absolute gold 👑 Thank you so much! Bookmarked so I can keep coming back

  • @shresthabhowmik2480
    @shresthabhowmik2480 2 года назад

    Gonna totally apply the 30 second undo. It's a life-saver.

  • @karenrodriguez5047
    @karenrodriguez5047 2 года назад

    Wow! I'm amazed at how little I knew with email etiquette. Definitely was surprised with the 8th tip there because it's so true. It's happened to me before but now knowing so I will definitely change that!

  • @paulmax6275
    @paulmax6275 2 года назад

    Loved your subtle humor! Enjoyed the tips.

  • @MyW115
    @MyW115 Год назад

    FANTASTIC TIPS! Thanks for sharing and please keep these coming!

  • @audrauitto69
    @audrauitto69 2 года назад

    Very helpful tips Jeff! Your samples are the BEST!

  • @gjaeigjiajeg
    @gjaeigjiajeg 2 года назад

    Wow this is quite helpful. That action item followed by context was the biggest take away. Funny that I've never thought of that even when as a recipient, I'm constantly peeved at wordy emails. Up till now, my solution was always to keep an email less than 5 lines long.
    Thanks for this.

  • @latoyas294
    @latoyas294 Год назад

    I was totally clueless about going to my email settings to change the undo send option to 30s. Thank you so much for this!

  • @999nico
    @999nico 2 года назад +8

    The "Context" Part is great!

    • @tamphan5910
      @tamphan5910 2 года назад +2

      I also agree 👌

    • @999nico
      @999nico 2 года назад +2

      @@tamphan5910 I have already used it in my emails today!

  • @princejha4326
    @princejha4326 2 года назад +1

    Really very helpful insights Jeff,
    Thank you very much HBR.

  • @hollywilliams1120
    @hollywilliams1120 2 года назад

    Putting context below the action item was the most helpful!

  • @shirleybaird537
    @shirleybaird537 Год назад

    CTA at the begging with the content follow up. The abbreviated CTA in the subject is a good one I use, yet I got a better insight how that can be done more efficiently in the video.
    Great content!

  • @gingham_diaries
    @gingham_diaries Год назад

    All d tips r my faves! TY fr making the video @Jeff Su!

  • @cassioalexan
    @cassioalexan 2 года назад +1

    It's incredible how Jeff's tips are totally necessary and helpful in our lives! I loved most of them and am trying to apply in my e-mails. Thanks for sharing, Jeff!

  • @maheshjanagan6769
    @maheshjanagan6769 2 года назад +10

    Reading from the recipient perspective and finding an error is usual 😀😂 and your 30 sec undo tip will help 😉

  • @thinkingmobility
    @thinkingmobility Год назад

    Love the positive attitude and great demeanor. And good tips too.

  • @moonlitnight1609
    @moonlitnight1609 Год назад

    Learning how to hyperlink and about the undo send options was very informative. I will be using them now. I have already changed my settings for the undo send option.