1. SophoMORE Advisory Lesson September 24, 2013
Etiquette
SophoMORE Advisory Lesson
September 24, 2013

2. Why Is Email Etiquette Important?
is the main form of written communication used today
can easily be misinterpreted by your reader.
It is crucial you follow the basic rules of etiquette to construct an appropriate tone and level of professionalism.

3. General Email Policies
Reply quickly to serious messages.
If you need more than 24 hours to collect information or make a decision, send a brief response explaining the delay.
Once you have sent an , and not received a reply, it is best to wait at least 2 days to follow-up.
If it is an emergency, you may follow up sooner. But give the s recipient time to respond before sending another .
A respectful and professional will receive a more favorable response than an abrupt, carelessly written one.

4. General Format: The Basics
Write a clear and specific subject line
Good Example: Absent on 3/25
Poor Example: “HW” or “School” or “YOLO”
Write a salutation (greeting) for each
Good Example: Hello, Ms. Amato.
Good Example: Good Afternoon, Ms. Bradley.
Poor Example: Wassup, Mr. McCabe !
Poor Example: Yo, Ms. Prettyman!
Try to keep the short and sweet
One screen length
If the message is long-ish, break into small paragraphs!
In s, paragraphs do NOT need to be indented.
Simply skip lines between each paragraph.

5. General Format: The Basics
Put your main point in the opening sentence
Check for punctuation, spelling, and grammatical errors.
Avoid using words written in all capital letters.
IT WILL SEEM LIKE YOU ARE YELLING! AH!
Include a closing with your name
Good Example: Sincerely, Justin Bieber
Good Example: Respectfully, Lady Gaga
Bad Example: YOLO, Ms. Meyers

6. General Format: The Basics
Avoid text-message-type
ex. R U 4getting s/thing?
Use “please”, “sorry” and “thank-you” with purpose
Do not about things that are better handled in person

7. General Format: Lists and Bullets
When you are writing directions or want to emphasize important points, number your directions or bullet your main points.
For example,
Place the paper in drawer A.
Click the green “start” button.
Another example,
I have a couple of questions:
Can you clarify the pg. numbers of the homework from our notes packet?
When is the next time I am able to stay after school and retake quizzes?

8. General Format: Tone Write in a positive tone! Avoid using…
Good Example: “When you complete grading this assignment.”
Bad Example: “If you ever finish grading … ”
Avoid using…
smiles 
winks ;)
and other graphical symbols
Explanation: The main point of this slide is to help participates understand the importance of tone. These are ways to create a document that sounds friendly and “nonverbally” open. While it is important to follow rules of punctuation and grammar in , using contractions can create a conversational style that isn’t intimidating.
Remind students that tone is dependent on audience -- an to a peer might have a substantially different tone than to a teacher. Ask them to think about situations and determine appropriate tones for them.
*Angell and Heslop

9. Attachments & Google Doc Sharing
When you are sending an attachment, or sharing a Google doc, tell your recipient what is attached and the name of the file.
Double check that you have attached the document before sending the
Ex. The attached file is a copy of my paper entitled “My Personal Narrative.”

10. Let’s read some REAL emails!
Take a few minutes to read over the s provided.
As you read, consider the following questions:
What did these students do WELL?
What can these students do to IMPROVE?
Mark suggestions as you read!

11. Suggestions for Improvement
Highs & Lows
Sample #1
Sample #2
Sample #3
Positives +
Suggestions for Improvement ∆
This chart can be projected on the board and used to facilitate discussion about the sample s.

12. Extension Activities

13. Option #1: Email Drafting Competition
In groups of 4, using the poster paper provided, draft an based on the scenario your group receives.
Think about all of the things we just discussed!
Maintain a positive tone!
Be clear and concise!
Remember to format correctly!

14. Write Your Own… For an advisory grade…
Draft a professional to one of your teachers within the next week.
CC (copy) your advisor on the !
Think about all of the things we just discussed!
Maintain a positive tone!
Be clear and concise!
Remember to format correctly!