Emailing us Successfully – Tips!

Have you ever wondered how to write professional and polite emails? Emails are our gateway to communication in our studies, work, and beyond. Good email etiquette reflects your professionalism and communication skills. However, poor email habits can not only affect how your message is received but also the quality of the response you get.

But don’t worry! Writing a good email is not rocket science—it just requires a few simple steps to ensure your message is clear and effective. Here are some easy tips to make your emails professional and polite. These are tailored for emailing the Rise Team, but you can apply them to general emailing too!

1) Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You k*lledmy father. Prepare to d*e.

Okay… definitely do not send this to a member of our team (or anyone, really), but what you can learn from Inigo Montoya, a character from the 1987 movie The Princess Bride, is how to structure a message: quickly, effectively, and clearly.

Step 1 – Hello

Always open with a polite greeting, like “Hi [Team Member’s Name],” or “Hello Rise Team” if you are unsure who to address. A friendly yet professional tone sets the stage for a positive conversation.

Step 2 – My name is Inigo Montoya.

Introduce yourself. If you are emailing a staff member or a university service, make sure to include your student ID as well.

Step 3: You k*lled my father.

Provide relevant context for your message. For example, if you are emailing the Rise Team about missing Rise Points from an event you attended, clearly state the event name, date, and any other relevant details.

Step 4: Prepare to d*e.

Now that you have greeted the recipient, introduced yourself, and provided context, you are ready to convey your message. Whether you have a question or request, keep it concise and polite. Short paragraphs and bullet points can improve clarity.

Let’s look at some examples:

Following Montoya’s four simple steps will allow you to deliver your message with the same effectiveness as a man who spent decades perfecting his introduction!

2) Keep your subject line clear and simple

A good subject line helps us understand what your email is about right away. Keep it short but specific, like:

• Question About Rise Event
• Help Needed with a Self-Study Pack

Avoid vague subjects like “Hey” or “Need Help” – we want to make sure your email gets the right attention!

3) Keep it polite and respectful

Even if you’re in a rush, being polite goes a long way! Phrases like:

• “Could you please provide more details?”
• “Would it be possible to…?”
• “Thanks so much for your help!” make your email sound more professional and pleasant.

4) Sign off properly

Wrap up your email with a friendly closing like:

• Best,
• Thanks,
• Looking forward to your reply,

And don’t forget to include your name – you can include your student ID in here too!

5) Don’t send multiple emails for separate questions

If you have multiple questions, try to include them all in one email instead of sending several separate emails in a short period. This makes it easier for the Rise Team to address everything at once and keeps communication organized.

6) Be patient for a reply

The Rise Team gets lots of emails, so please give us some time to get back to you. We aspire to reply within five working days. If you have any burning question, you can also talk to a member of our team in our Student Drop Ins every Wednesday from 13:00 to 16:00. You can find us at the Student Hub in the Business School. 

Please remember!

There is always a person on the other end of the line, so be kind, be clear, and treat your emails as a conversation rather than just a transaction. A little politeness goes a long way!

Following these simple steps will help you write emails that get quick and helpful responses.

We’re always happy to hear from you, so feel free to reach out with any questions at rise@mmu.ac.uk