E-mail is an effective, modern way of communicating and interacting, but it has its own strengths and weaknesses. An e-mail can sit unopened, but we can still get an idea of what it is about from the sender and subject area information. It can also carry attachments and deliver important, even timely information.
E-mails, however, may not provide the instant interaction of a text message, for example, or provide the immediacy of a face-to-face conversation. Still, e-mails can deliver clear and concise messages effectively and efficiently. In creating an effective e-mail, we need to consider essential elements, the audience, and the context in which it will be read or reviewed.
In this Discussion, you create an e-mail, including the subject line, that either presents a compliment or complaint regarding service received at a business of any kind.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
To prepare for this Discussion:
- Read the Communication Program Discussion Guidelines Download Communication Program Discussion Guidelines.
- Read the article “How to Write the Perfect Email—Tips and Tricks” in this week’s Learning Resources.
- Read the chapter “Text, E-mail, and Netiquette” in this week’s Learning Resources.
By Day 3
Post by a response that addresses the following:
- Post the full text of the e-mail message you created.
After posting the message, respond to the following questions:
- Does the e-mail present a compliment or complaint?
- Does the e-mail provide a clear statement on its purpose, provide support or an illustrative example for that purpose, and include a statement of action (if it is a compliment, what you will do) or a request for action (if it is a complaint, what you want done)?
- Why is it important to understand your audience and the context of the relationship when writing e-mails?