In the realm of email communication, conveying a professional image is paramount, and proper punctuation is a cornerstone of that image. While the ease of email can tempt us to dash off messages without adhering to grammatical rules, it’s crucial to remember that your recipients may be forming their initial, and lasting, judgments of you based solely on your emails.
The Impact of Punctuation: An Illustration
Consider the seemingly minor impact of commas and periods. Can they truly make a difference? Absolutely. The following “Dear John” letters, identical in wording, demonstrate the power of punctuation to drastically alter meaning:
Version One
Dear John:
I want a man who knows what love is all about. You are generous, kind, thoughtful. People who are not like you admit to being useless and inferior.
You have ruined me for other men. I yearn for you. I have no feelings whatsoever when we’re apart. I can be forever happy—will you let me be yours?
Gloria
Version Two
Dear John:
I want a man who knows what love is. All about you are generous, kind, thoughtful people, who are not like you. Admit to being useless and inferior.
You have ruined me. For other men, I yearn. For you, I have no feelings whatsoever. When we’re apart, I can be forever happy. Will you let me be?
Yours,
Gloria
As you can see, the placement of punctuation transforms a loving declaration into a scathing rejection. This example, while its original source remains elusive, vividly illustrates the importance of careful punctuation.
First Impressions Matter
The adage “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression” holds especially true for email. Whether communicating with customers, colleagues, staff, or your superiors, ensure your messages are properly punctuated to project professionalism, clarity, and attention to detail. Don’t let careless punctuation undermine your message and your credibility.