Transcript Module 13

PPT
Module 13
E-Mail Messages
and Web Writing
McGraw-Hill/Irwin
©2007, The McGraw-Hill Companies, All Rights Reserved.
13-1
E-Mail Messages and Web
Writing
To learn how to
 Format e-mail messages.
 Use e-mail effectively.
 Write effective subject lines for email messages.
 Manage time.
 Write for the Web.
13-2
E-Mail Messages and Web
Writing
Start by answering these questions:
 How should I set up e-mail
messages?
 What kinds of subject lines should I
use for e-mail messages?
 Should I write e-mail messages the
same way I write paper messages?
13-3
E-Mail Messages and Web
Writing
Start by answering these questions:
 What e-mail “netiquette” rules should I
follow?
 How and when should I send
attachments?
 What style should I use when writing
for the Web?
13-4
E-Mail Messages and Web
Writing
Start by answering these questions:
 Can I use blogging on the job?
 What other technologies use the
Internet?
13-5
E-Mail Messages and Web
Writing
Start by answering these questions:
 What e-mail “netiquette” rules should I
follow?
 Should I worry about viruses?
13-6
When Writing E-Mail, Remember
All principles of good business
writing still apply with e-mail.
While e-mail feels like talking, pay
attention to spelling and grammar.
You should proofread messages.
E-mail should interest the readers
in the subject line and first
paragraph.
13-7
E-Mail Subject Lines
Are specific, concise, and catchy.
Give good news in positive
messages.
Give negative news when it’s
serious, the reader needs the
information to act, or you report your
own errors.
Make the request clear in
persuasive messages.
13-8
For Proper “Netiquette,” Never
“Flame” your
audience.
Send unnecessary
e-mails.
Compose e-mail
messages when
you’re angry or
upset.
13-9
Web Writing
Business writing basics apply.
 Be clear, concise, and
complete.
 In general, keep the style
simple and conversational.
Readers skim.
 Use short sentences and
paragraphs.
 Use titles, headings and
bulleted lists.
13-10
Web Writing
Work with designers on
format.
 If links seem too many, they
probably are.
 Test your design with
potential users.
 Images should support text.
 Avoid complex introductions
that slow loading a page.
 Tell a story with titles and
captions.
13-11
Scannable Text
According to John Morkes and Jakob
Nielsen
 Highlight key words.
 Use meaningful subheadings.
 Include bulleted lists.
 Use one idea per paragraph.
 Use “inverted pyramid” organization.
 Use half the word count of a printed page.
 Avoid “marketese.”
13-12
Blogging
Blogs can be used for business.
Company may own the space.
 Stay professional.
 Avoid deeply personal information or
unflattering opinions about the company
or its employees.
Popular blog sites are blogger.com
and businessblogconsulting.com.
13-13
To Create a Blog for Business
Jeff Wurio suggests




Identify your audience.
Decide where your blog should live.
Start talking.
“Blog roll,” or link to other sites and
blogs.
 Emphasize words.
 Keep it fresh.
 Watch traffic closely.
13-14
Technology
Web-based
technology
 PDAs.
 Cell phones.
 Videoconferencing.
Technology changes—
be flexible—but
choose useful
technology.