Pre-write Follow e-mail protocol. Set goals. Know your readers. Choose strategies based on the goals and readers. Introduce the E-mail Always write a clear, meaningful subject line. Write a clear, complete introduction. Write a cordial beginning or buffer. State the contents of the e-mail. Write a Clear E-mail Write the message in blocks. Keep explanations of a subject together in one block. Check each block for focus. Check each block for completeness. Open each block with a statement of the contents. Use headings to open blocks. Bold field or data names to identify them as blocks. Create lists. Open list blocks. Mark the list items clearly. Keep list items in a single list. Keep list items in the same format. Have an organizational pattern in mind. Use special organizational patterns for some messages. Write to build conclusions in the reader's mind. Use key words consistently. Fully explain each new concept word or phrase. Use full phrases to define words clearly.

Write a Conclusion with Impact Write a conclusion that achieves your goals. Use a Clear Writing Style Use paragraphs to organize information. Write concisely. Combine sentences to show relationships. Separate sentences to make them clearer. Write clear, simple, straightforward sentences. Write strong, direct sentences. Use words the reader will understand. Proofread for Correctness Use your spell checker and grammar checker. Proofread. Format for Readability Format the e-mail to be readable.