Office Administration & Digital Productivity · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 3: Workplace Communication Channels · Lesson 2 of 3

Professional Emails and Messages

Write emails and messages that are clear, polite and easy to act on.

In this lesson you will

  • Write clear subject lines and requests
  • Manage an inbox efficiently

Key concepts

subject linesclear requeststoneinbox management

The lesson

A good email has a specific subject line, the main point or request first, short paragraphs and a clear deadline: 'Please confirm attendance by Thursday 12 March.'

Keep a polite, neutral tone; avoid all capitals and long threads with changing subjects. Use To for people who must act and Cc for those who only need to know.

Manage the inbox with folders or labels, flags for follow-up and set times to process email.

Step by step

  1. Rewrite three unclear emails.
  2. Fix subject lines.
  3. Set up folders and flags.
  4. Process a sample inbox.

Practice activity

Rewrite the provided emails and organise a sample inbox.

Expected result: Clear emails and an organised inbox.

Check your understanding

  1. What should come first in a work email?

    Show answer

    The main point or request.

  2. What is the difference between To and Cc?

    Show answer

    To is for people who must act; Cc for those who only need to know.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.