Email as a new genre of writing

Living in a society that runs on technology, I am sure you are one of the people who uses the Internet on a regular basis to gain information for business and personal reasons. The scene of sitting on the train and use email continually for communication with friends, family, professor and colleagues undoubtedly seems familiar to you. But, have you ever stopped and thought email may be a new genre of writing? Have you ever thought in depth when you are writing an email? While the popularity of email makes communication much easier, writing an email in an inappropriate ways can actually put in at a disadvantage. Dr. Sharma gave us some enlighten recommendations for how to write an appropriate during our class discussion that I found really useful and want to share with you all!

First of all, before you start writing an email, stop for a second and think if meeting or calling the person would be more appropriate than writing an email. If you still think writing an email is the best mode and most convenient way for communicating this certain message, start composing your email! In case you are delivering an angry message, please think twice and calm yourself down before you write the email. What was your reaction when you received emails that are so long that it just won’t end? I find them hard to read and sometimes ignored it. We should always think on the behalf of the readers, it is better to keep the email as concise as possible, but never too brief that you sound rude.

You may treating writing an email to your friends and families as writing an instant message, like texting. However, as you are in college or later in workplace, you should consider email as business writing. Language rules always imply on email writing! (Revise, edit and proofread still necessary) It is important to keep the email with thoughtfulness and professionalism. By doing so, details cannot be ignored. Before sending out the email, double-check that there is an effective subject line, and remember to check if this email still “replies to all”.

Next time, when you are writing an email to your professor, I assume you will take more time and compose a better email.