Write for all readers. Some people will read every word you write, while others will just skim. Help everyone read better by grouping related ideas together and focus your message. Create a hierarchy of information. Lead with the main point or the most important content. We want our communication and written pieces to be easy to navigate for readers.

• Capitalize the name of teams.
• Contractions – they’re great! They give your writing an informal, friendly tone without it ever getting disrespectful.
  • Example: “I’m so excited to help you get started!” vs. “I am so excited to help you get started.” It’s a bit friendlier and quicker-paced!
• Emoji are a fun way to add humor and visual interest to emails, but use them infrequently and deliberately.
• Use the Oxford comma. This is the last comma in any list. Using it keeps the structure of the list clear.
  • Example: I would like to thank my parents, Akio Toyoda, and Oprah Winfrey. (this list is clearly 4 people)
  • Counter-example: I would like to thank my parents, Akio Toyoda and Oprah Winfrey. (without an Oxford comma, it seems like your parents are Akio and Oprah)
• Use one space after periods and commas. Do not use two spaces after a period.
• Always use a period at the end of each item in a list (like I’m doing here).
• Avoid using “&” – spell it out.
• Avoid using colons after names.
• Use colons or dashes before starting listing your items.
• When using quotation marks – commas, periods, question marks go inside the quotation marks.
• Exclamation points are a great way to show your enthusiasm. Have at least one in each email, but don’t overdo it – using too many will lessen the emotion you’re trying to convey.
• If you feel like using a semicolon – use a period instead. Shorter, to the point sentences are always a better idea.
• Use “they” as a singular pronoun and never assume someone’s gender.
• Write in plain English. Avoid slang whenever possible.
• Use positive language rather than negative language.