J. G. Levitt Professional Development

Intended For 

This course is intended for people desiring to improve their ability to write and manage e-mail effectively. 

Purpose 

The primary course objective is to provide information, techniques, and numerous examples to help participants: 

·         Improve the ability to write e-mail that grabs reader attention and gets desired results

·         Improve the ability to manage e-mail professionally and efficiently

 Learning Objectives 

1. Organize the message quickly and efficiently
2. Write a compelling subject line and a strong introductory lead
3. Use formatting techniques that grab attention and get results
4. Use a positive tone to improve reader responsiveness
5. Proofread and review to assure clarity, correctness, and completeness
6. Use efficient e-mail management strategies
7. Increase awareness of important legal and ethical e-mail issues

Methods 

The instruction is focused on interactive review, discussion, and application of course techniques.  All instruction is designed to help participants transfer the skills easily and effectively to the workplace.

• Trainer presentation of instruction

• Group review and discussion of instructional techniques and examples

• Hands-on participant activities to apply techniques (several for every topic)

• Final application of techniques in editing participants’ previous e-mail messages

Comprehensive, Professional Book Provided

Contents

Introduction: Overview

• Consider the Impact of Business E-Mail

• Improve Business Operations Through Efficient E-Mail

• Review the Course Focus

• Capstone Activity: Draft an assigned e-mail message

Part 1:  Plan and Develop the message

• Know When to Use E-Mail

• Know How to Address E-Mail

• Jump-Start the Message with 7 Questions

• Lead with the Purpose and Main Points

• Write an Attention-Grabbing Subject Line

• Use Attachments Correctly

• Include an Appropriate Closing

• Capstone Activity: Revise drafted e-mail; apply Part 1 techniques

Part 2:  Grab Attention and Get Results with Formatting and Tone

• Draft; Then Improve Readability with Formatting

• Use Standard Capitalization and Punctuation

• Grab Attention with Headings and Lists

• Increase Clarity With Tables, Graphs, and Charts

• Get Results with a Positive Tone

• Capstone Activity:  Revise drafted e-mail to apply Part 2 techniques

Part 3:  Proofread and Review for Clarity and Correctness

• Use Different Methods for Formal and Informal E-Mail

• The Informal 2-Step Proofreading

• Formal Proofreading Method

• Capstone Activity: Mark corrections to e-mails you brought to class

Part 4: Use Efficient Management Strategies

• Write Productive E-Mail Responses

• Use Tools to Boost Inbox Efficiency

• Avoid Inefficient Multitasking

• Improve Workflow With E-Mail Standards

• Capstone Activity: Outline goals for improving e-mail management in your workplace

Appendix

• Important Legal and Ethical Issues

• Netiquette

• Longer E-Mail Messages

• E-Mail Writing Template