Email is the primary communication tool in most businesses. Writing effective emails is a skill worth developing. Keep your subject line specific: 'Q3 Sales Report — Action Required' is better than 'Update'. Begin with a clear purpose: 'I am writing to request...' or 'I wanted to follow up on...' Be concise — most business emails should be under 150 words. Use short paragraphs. End with a clear next step: what do you need the recipient to do, and by when? Sign off appropriately: 'Kind regards' for formal contacts, 'Best' or 'Thanks' for colleagues you know well. Always re-read before sending — a careless email can create confusion or damage your professional image.

💡 Did you know? The first email was sent in 1971 by Ray Tomlinson, who also invented the use of the @ symbol in email addresses. He sent it to himself as a test. He later admitted he could not remember what it said.