We all know the feeling: staring at a blank email screen, unsure of how to start. The dreaded "formal email" can make us feel like we're back in high school, trying to write the perfect essay. But what if we told you that emails can be just as easy and breezy as texting a friend?
Ditch the Stiffness: Embracing Informality
Remember, email is just another form of communication. It's not meant to be a stuffy, rigid platform reserved for official business. In fact, a little informality can go a long way in creating a more personal and engaging connection.
Imagine you're catching up with a friend over coffee. You wouldn't start by saying, "Dear [Friend's name], I trust this email finds you well." Instead, you'd probably say something like, "Hey [Friend's name], what's up?"
That's the spirit we want to capture in informal emails. Think of them as digital versions of casual conversations.
How to Write an Informal Email: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here's how to write informal emails that feel like a natural extension of your personality:
1. Address the Recipient With a Friendly Greeting:
- Instead of: Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
- Try: Hey [First Name], Hi [First Name], or simply [First Name].
2. Keep the Tone Light and Conversational:
- Avoid: Formal language and overly complex sentences.
- Embrace: Shorter sentences, contractions, and a more casual tone.
3. Use Emojis Sparingly:
- Remember: Emojis can be a great way to add personality and humor, but use them sparingly.
- Think: Would you use this emoji in a face-to-face conversation?
4. Be Clear and Concise:
- Just like in a conversation: Get to the point quickly and avoid unnecessary jargon or technical terms.
- Keep your paragraphs short: This makes the email easier to read and digest.
5. End With a Friendly Sign-Off:
- Instead of: Sincerely,
- Try: Best, Cheers, Thanks, or even just "Talk soon!"
Informal Email Example: A Practical Demonstration
Let's put these tips into practice with a real-life example:
Subject: Catching up!
Hey Sarah,
How are you doing? I hope you're having a great week.
I wanted to check in and see if you're free for coffee sometime next week. I've been meaning to hear all about your trip to Italy!
Let me know what works for you.
Best,
John
Notice how:
- The greeting is casual and friendly.
- The tone is light and conversational.
- The email is short and to the point.
- The sign-off is friendly and informal.
Informal Email Etiquette: A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While informality can be refreshing, it's important to be mindful of some key etiquette points:
- Know your audience: Always consider the recipient and the context of the email. A casual tone with a close friend might be inappropriate for a professional contact.
- Don't be too casual: Even in informal emails, there are limits. Avoid using slang or offensive language.
- Proofread carefully: Even though the tone is informal, you still want to make sure your email is free of typos and grammatical errors.
The Power of Informal Emails: Building Stronger Connections
By embracing informality, we can create emails that feel more authentic and engaging. They can help us build stronger connections with colleagues, clients, and friends.
Think of it like this: a formal email is like a neatly folded suit, perfect for a job interview. An informal email is like a comfortable pair of jeans, perfect for hanging out with friends.
So next time you find yourself writing an email, take a deep breath and relax. Just imagine you're chatting with someone you know well. The words will flow more easily, and the result will be a more genuine and engaging message.