In today’s digital world, email communication is paramount for professional interactions. It’s crucial to remember that your emails represent you, and proper punctuation plays a vital role in conveying a professional image. While it’s tempting to quickly dash off an email without paying attention to grammar rules, neglecting punctuation can have negative consequences.
The recipient may be forming opinions about you solely based on your email. Even seemingly small errors, like misplaced commas or missing periods, can significantly alter the message’s meaning and reflect poorly on your credibility.
Consider this illustrative example, often referred to as the “Dear John” letter. The same words, punctuated differently, convey drastically different sentiments:
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 demonstrated, punctuation can completely change the message from one of affection to one of disdain. This highlights the power of those “little dots and dashes.”
You’ve likely heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.” This is especially true for email. To project professionalism to customers, colleagues, staff, and your superiors, ensure your emails are meticulously punctuated.