What's Your Email Etiquette IQ?

1. I should proofread my email before I hit 'send.'

True

False

Why would I do that?

One, because doing so will stop you from sending an anger- or sarcastic-ridden note. Two, because you're not as a good a typist as you think you are, and in your physical absence, your writing represents you.

Explanation

One, because doing so will stop you from sending an anger- or sarcastic-ridden note. Two, because you're not as a good a typist as you think you are, and in your physical absence, your writing represents you.

2. When writing a complicated or detailed email, information should be

In one long paragraph

Short paragraphs

Separated into multiple emails

Important information is easier to find and comprehend when placed in short paragraphs.

Explanation

Important information is easier to find and comprehend when placed in short paragraphs.

3. The most important information in an email should be

At the end

In the beginning

Dispersed throughout

This isn't an Easter egg hunt. Be nice to the recipient, don't make them look for the important stuff.

Explanation

This isn't an Easter egg hunt. Be nice to the recipient, don't make them look for the important stuff.

4. Writing in all capital letters implies

Sorrow

Listening

Yelling

Impatience

Writing in all capital letters is often interpreted as shouting or yelling in the context of online communication. It can convey a sense of intensity or emphasis and may be perceived as impolite in many situations. Therefore, it's generally advisable to use uppercase letters sparingly and thoughtfully in written communication to avoid misunderstandings.

Explanation

Writing in all capital letters is often interpreted as shouting or yelling in the context of online communication. It can convey a sense of intensity or emphasis and may be perceived as impolite in many situations. Therefore, it's generally advisable to use uppercase letters sparingly and thoughtfully in written communication to avoid misunderstandings.

5. The most important part of an email is

Sender

Recipient

Body

Signature

Subject Line

A clear and concise subject line tells the recipient exactly what your message is about and whether they need to take action (or not).

Explanation

A clear and concise subject line tells the recipient exactly what your message is about and whether they need to take action (or not).

6. Carbon copy others who are

Directly involved with the content

Aware of the content partially

Are not aware of the content

Have little involvement with the content

Include others and risk unnecessary explanation, delays, additional decision-makers, and (potentially mass) confusion.

Explanation

Include others and risk unnecessary explanation, delays, additional decision-makers, and (potentially mass) confusion.

7. Very important emails should be marked as high priority when

You feel it is a high priority.

It seems like it could be a high priority.

It is moderately urgent.

The information is a high priority for the recipient.

Urgent messages should be delivered by phone to ensure the message is both received and understood.

Explanation

Urgent messages should be delivered by phone to ensure the message is both received and understood.

8. Complicated or detailed email messages should be followed up with

Email

High five

Instant Message

Pizza

Phone Call

If it's complicated, you risk 'no action' or deletion. Follow up with a phone call to answer any questions he/she may have and to avoid a series of additional Q&A emails.

Explanation

If it's complicated, you risk 'no action' or deletion. Follow up with a phone call to answer any questions he/she may have and to avoid a series of additional Q&A emails.

9. Capitalization is not at all necessary when writing email.

True

False

I don't know what capitalization is

False. While capitalization in emails is not strictly governed by formal rules like in some other forms of writing, it is generally considered good practice to use appropriate capitalization in emails. Proper capitalization contributes to readability and professionalism, helping convey your message more effectively.

Explanation

False. While capitalization in emails is not strictly governed by formal rules like in some other forms of writing, it is generally considered good practice to use appropriate capitalization in emails. Proper capitalization contributes to readability and professionalism, helping convey your message more effectively.

10. An appropriate amount of time to wait for a reply is

30 seconds–5 minutes

7 days

24–48 hours

Within 24 hours

2-–3 hours

Many people travel and have their own to-do lists; it's unrealistic to expect someone to drop what they're doing to respond your message. If a more timely response is needed, it's best to contact the person by phone.

Explanation

Many people travel and have their own to-do lists; it's unrealistic to expect someone to drop what they're doing to respond your message. If a more timely response is needed, it's best to contact the person by phone.

11. In general, when replying to an email it is best to

Reply to all

Reply to one

Reply to some

Reply to sender

Do your best to minimize email for yourself and others.

Explanation

Do your best to minimize email for yourself and others.

12. Emails are

Secret

Between me and the recipient(s)

Public

Top Secret

You may mean for it to be top secret or secret and only between you and the recipient, but don't ever count on it. It's best to not writing anything you wouldn't want the boss or your colleagues to read.

Explanation

You may mean for it to be top secret or secret and only between you and the recipient, but don't ever count on it. It's best to not writing anything you wouldn't want the boss or your colleagues to read.

What's Your Email EtIQuette IQ?