Email Etiquette: The Best Question to Ask to Determine Whether Emily Post Would Approve

When traditional etiquette books were written, email did not exist. The absence of guidelines or rules therefore allowed people to create their own ways of doing things, some of which are downright poor etiquette. All these new technologies – email, voicemail, smart phones, cell phones – have opened the door for some horrific etiquette blunders.

Let’s remember that the basis of all etiquette is RESPECT – not just politeness, but consideration for people’s time and energy and emotions.

When in doubt, ask yourself, “am I being as respectful of the recipient’s) as I can be?”

That’s the key question. That’s the one Emily would have asked you.

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1. Email Etiquette tip: Beware the use of the BCC
2. Email Etiquette tip: Always consider the recipient
3. How You Can Use Email to Hold Back Your Career
4. Email Etiquette tip: Personalize the message
5. Email Etiquette tip: Do not share large lists of e-mail addresses via CC