Email is quickly becoming the dominant form of communication in the workplace. However, because it allows speedy composition, less thought is given to the message. Poorly composed messages reflect negatively upon you personally and professionally as the representative of your business. If you run your own business, this is a poor first impression. Something as simple as an email message can kill your chances of winning a client. Fortunately, there a few things you can do to ensure that your email message is both professional and effective.

1. Let It Simmer - Never send a message as soon as you are finished typing it. Do something else for at least ten minutes, then come back to reread and edit the message. If you look at it again with a "fresh eye," you will be more likely to spot errors.

2. Read It Aloud - Reading your message aloud allows you to catch more subtle errors, such as awkward phrasing and sounds.

3. Read Slowly, even one word at a time. This will help you catch double-keyed words and habitual misspellings.

4. Clean Up Your Language - Always assume that every email, no matter how confidential, will be forwarded and eventually land on your boss's desk.

   Strike any off-color, sexist, profane or otherwise objectionable language. Unless you are quoting someone, there is never a good reason for this in any business communication.

5. Cut Fluff - Replace unneeded words and sentences.

6. Give Clichés the Ax.

7. Run the Spellchecker - but remember that a spellchecker will not catch words that are spelled correctly, but used incorrectly, such as the use of "your" instead of "you're".

Source: homebusinesshelper.com