Personal versus professional e-mail
As you know, e-mail is a popular, easy way to stay in contact with friends and family. The e-mails you send to your friends are most likely informal. For example, an e-mail about dinner plans might be only a few lines long and use the same language you would use if you were talking in person.
When you are communicating with someone professionally, however, e-mail is more important. In fact, e-mail is often the main mode of communication for scientists — so how you write an e-mail can shape what other scientists think of your character. A well written e-mail can impress the reader and show that you are thoughtful and responsible, whereas a poorly written e-mail can damage productive relationships or keep you from forming new ones. Therefore, before sending an e-mail, you must carefully consider your audience and the tone you will use.
