These two exercises are designed to test the ability of student’s to communicate effectively.
- Bad Email exercise
Read the email below. Based on the reading in Step #2 in the Empty Nest decide what is wrong and rewrite the email.
To: Bob Pope
From: Jennifer Smith
Subject: Job?
Hey Bob, We talked a couple weeks back at the chamber of commerce event. (I was the one looking for a summer internship and had a zit on my lip that could have passed for a cold soar. Lol. Whew. It was not. You’re probably like, “uh.. What?” Maybe that helps you recall, maybe not. Not completely important, I suppose. I’d really like to come work for you at your IT business. You seemed like a cool person to work for, I liked ur striped pants. I’m available to start working on Monday, but I am taking my driver’s test in June and have to study and go an hour and half away to take it at an easier place cause I’m not a great driver so I’ll miss a few days. I am also going to the beach with friends for a week in July. Oh, and my grandmother has bad gas (OMG IT’S TERRIBLE) and sometimes I have to take her to the doctor. I’ve attached my resume, it’s the bomb dot com. Let me know if you have a job opening for me. I can’t wait to play on some computers. If I don’t respond to your email, I’m always on FB, snapchat or insta!
Peace out,
Jennifer Smith
Review of Tips To Writing Professional Email Guidelines:
1. Include a one or two word topic in the subject line. It helps the reader know what the email is all about.
2. Always include a greeting (Dear) and a closing (Sincerely). Always!
3. Use business language, always spell check, reread and do not use abbreviations.
4. Use formatting just as you would a business letter.
5. Do not ever use ALL CAPS. ALL CAPS MEANS YOU ARE SCREAMING AT THE OTHER PERSON.
6. Jokes, witty remarks and sarcasm do not translate in email. This can get you into really, difficult situations.
7. Complaining and gossiping have no place in email.
8. Keep the communication short and concise.
9. The use of emoticons should only be used between really great friends.
10. Reread before hitting send.
11. If you can walk around the office and talk to someone, send the email later. Get up and talk to a colleague. Send an email when there is factual information they may need.
12. Never forward a forward a forward