📨 Inbox Influence: Mastering the Art of Email in the Digital Age

Dear Techies,

Let’s face it—email is not going anywhere.
Whether you are applying for a job, pitching an idea, networking, or following up, how you write your email can make or break the outcome.

Yet most of us never actually learn how to write great emails. We just wing it until something falls flat or worse, gets ignored.

In this issue, we’re diving into the art and science of writing emails that work—from the subject line to the sign-off.

📬 Why Email Still Matters

In an age of DMs, Slack, and group chats, email remains the gold standard for professional communication. It’s versatile, widely accepted, and essential for everything from school to business.

Your email is often your first impression, your digital handshake, and sometimes your only shot at getting someone’s attention.

So let’s make it count.

✍️ The Anatomy of a Great Email

Here’s a simple, repeatable structure you can use for almost any email:

1. Subject Line = Your Hook

Make it clear, specific, and attention-grabbing.
Avoid vague phrases like “Hi” or “Quick Question.” Instead, write:

• “Follow-up: Meeting with Tech Savvy Starts Here”

• “Request: Feedback on AI Course Problem Set”

2. Greeting = Start Warm, Not Weird

Match the tone of the person you’re emailing.

• Formal: “Hi Dr. Lee,”

• Casual: “Hey James,”

Avoid “To Whom It May Concern” unless it’s absolutely necessary.

3. Opening Line = Set the Context

Remind them who you are and why you’re writing.

4. Main Message = Be Clear and Respectful of Time

Write like the reader is skimming (because they are).

• Keep sentences short.

• Use bullet points if helpful.

• And always be direct about what you need.

✅ “Would you be open to a 15-minute call next week?”

❌ “I was just wondering if maybe…”

5. Closing = Leave a Strong Final Impression

End with a polite and professional note.

Then sign off with one of the following:

• Best,

• Warm regards,

• Many thanks,

And don’t forget your full name + relevant link or title.

💡 Common Email Mistakes to Avoid

These missteps can ruin an otherwise good message:

• Writing emails that are too long (TL;DR = delete)

• No subject line—or one that’s confusing

• Forgetting to introduce yourself clearly

• No clear ask or next step

• Using slang or emojis in professional emails

• Replying emotionally or too quickly (Pause. Re-read. Then send.)

🧠 Bonus Tips: Email Psychology That Works

✔️ Use line breaks and white space to make it readable

✔️ Mirror their tone—if they’re formal, stay formal

✔️ Always proofread—typos can be more damaging than you think

🎯 Take It Home

Your challenge for the week:
Pick one important email you’ve been meaning to send.
Before hitting send, check it against the 5-step checklist:

• Clear subject

• Warm greeting

• Relevant context

• Direct ask

• Polite close

Then hit send with confidence.
You’ll be surprised how much more effective your emails become.

🔗 Tools to Try

• Grammarly Tone Detector

• Hemingway Editor – for clean, clear writing

• Canva Email Signature Generator

💬 Let’s Talk

Do you have a go-to email tip—or a hilarious email fail that you’ve learned from?
Hit reply or tag me @TechSavvyStartsHere—I’d love to hear what worked (or flopped) for you.

Enjoyed this edition?
Forward it to a friend or colleague who will enjoy it as well.
Missed something? Catch up in the newsletter archive.

🧠 Keep learning. | 💬 Keep questioning. | 💥 Keep growing.

Your Tech Partner,
Ijeoma Ndu, PhD