Email Basics

Key Concepts

• Email Address
• Composing an Email
• Email Etiquette

Email Address

An email address is a unique identifier used to send and receive emails. It typically consists of a username, the "@" symbol, and a domain name. For example, in the email address "john.doe@example.com", "john.doe" is the username, and "example.com" is the domain name.

Think of an email address as a postal address. Just as a postal address helps mail reach your physical location, an email address helps digital messages reach your inbox.

Composing an Email

Composing an email involves several key elements:

• To: The recipient's email address.
• Subject: A brief summary of the email's content.
• Body: The main content of the email.
• Attachments: Files that are included with the email.

When composing an email, ensure the subject is clear and relevant, the body is well-structured, and attachments are relevant and not too large. Think of composing an email like writing a letter: it should be clear, concise, and respectful.

Email Etiquette

Email etiquette refers to the proper way to communicate via email. Key aspects include:

• Professional Tone: Use a professional and polite tone, even in informal emails.
• Clear Subject Lines: Make the subject line informative and specific.
• Proper Greetings and Sign-offs: Use appropriate greetings like "Dear [Name]" and sign-offs like "Best regards" or "Sincerely".
• Proofreading: Always proofread your email for spelling and grammar errors.

Email etiquette is like table manners at a formal dinner. Just as you wouldn't chew with your mouth open, you shouldn't send an email without proper greetings or clear content.