Etiquette Archives

Etiquette

How Should I Express My Gratitude in Email?

Have you ever had someone help you in such a significant way that a simple “Thank you” seemed inadequate? Expressing gratitude is so important. Its effects on your attitude and outlook can be far-reaching. So, let’s explore some thoughtful and sincerely synonyms to the “express… continue reading

Graphic showing an old parchment with a pen, a stamp and the words "faithfully yours"

Etiquette

Yours Faithfully, Should I Use It?

When finishing an email or snail-mail letter, the closing provides various opportunities. Should you use “Sincerely” or the two-word variant “Sincerely yours?” What about “Yours truly,” where does that feature? Maybe a simple “Thank you” will be sufficient or should you should express your “Warmest… continue reading

Etiquette

Ms., Mrs., Miss or Mx: When to Use Which?

Miss, Ms., Mrs., and Mx. are not interchangeable terms. Addressing someone with the wrong title can be offensive, so it is important to know the difference between these four prefixes. The guide below will describe how they have been used historically and how to use… continue reading

How To Address Multiple People in an Email or Letter

Across multiple sectors, letter-writing is still common in professional settings. In the course of regular business, you might find that you need to write a formal letter to several recipients. Learning the correct way to create a letter addressing multiple people is imperative to developing… continue reading

Should I Use “To Whom It May Concern?”

There was a time when “To Whom It May Concern” was the most common way to address business professionals. It was the pre-internet era and information on specific employees at the company was not as widely available. Things have changed as technology has evolved and people… continue reading

Should You Use Contractions in Business Writing?

Contractions in business writing… to use or not to use… that is the question. The art of business writing challenges you to strike that perfect balance between sounding friendly and approachable while maintaining a high level of professionalism. Contractions can be a useful tool to help… continue reading

How to Write a Professional Out of Office Message

Sunscreen? Check. Bathing suit? Check. Latest Grisham novel to read on the beach? Check. Created and activated the perfect professional out of office autoresponder email message? Umm… If you think you can just throw something together on your phone while boarding the plane, think again.… continue reading

Tips for Writing Gender-Neutral Emails

Gender-neutral language writing strategies are becoming increasingly popular. The goal is to write or speak using non-discriminatory language and to avoid gender-biased expressions or stereotypes. This will enable you to more easily connect with your audience and allow everyone to feel appreciated. So then, here… continue reading

Email—Avoid Being Too Informal Too Soon

Just as language evolves over time, the way we communicate in business has changed. Phone calls and letters seem almost archaic now. Email is the foundation that most businesses’ communication and marketing strategies sit upon. And this is why you need to know not only… continue reading

How to Politely Substitute and In Person Meeting with a Conference Call

Etiquette

How To Politely Substitute an In-Person Meeting With A Conference Call

It’s no secret — some of the best deals and decisions are made across the conference room table. But is it possible to switch to a conference call without interrupting your workflow or negotiations? Having face-to-face meetings is, unquestionably, one of the most effective ways to… continue reading