Task: The students were tasked to provide advice to Evan, who had written an email to the professor but had not received a response. The email had to be written in “You Attitude”.
Memorandum
To: Evan Crisp, UBC Student
From: Kelly Kim, Student ENGL 301 Technical Writing UBC
Date: March 9, 2022
Subject: Tips for Writing Effective Email Messages with You! Attitude
Please take a moment to read through the best practices when writing to a professor. These examples result in a professional email format that will result in better reply rates. These suggestions showcase the use of the “you attitude” that values the importance of the reader and provides value to them.
To write an effective email, please follow:
- The professional style of the email is used to assure the reader that it is not spam email.
- The subject line is imperative as it provides a summary of the email or directs the reader if urgent attention is needed. Furthermore, if it is for a course, it could be a courtesy to include the class code as the professor may teach multiple courses or sections.
- Writing with a positive connotation rather than a negative connotation is beneficial. The tone dictates the chance of receiving a positive response from the professor to get into the course.
- Email should be written with respect. Also, please remember that it takes time for professors to read and reply to your message.
- Address the professor by their title. By addressing the professor with their title, it maintains a professional manner.
- Eliminating any grammatical mistakes and incorrect layouts is important as it signifies tardiness and indicates that the email has not been proofread before being sent.
- Avoiding imperative statements is also necessary. The email should not be demanding or come off as commanding.
- Signature block containing your information and full name is needed at the end. It signifies you are polite and that you look forward to communicating and responding to the professor.
Emails are a central form of communication with your professor. It should always be written with professionalism and reviewed with precision. By following the above steps, there is a more likely chance that you could be able to secure the seat and receive a positive response. Hope the best and please contact me if you have any questions at kk030@student.ubc.ca.