Ending an email professionally can be tricky. A poorly chosen closing can undermine even the most well-written message. Fortunately, there's a wealth of advice available online, including helpful threads on Reddit. This post summarizes some starter-friendly ideas gleaned from Reddit discussions on crafting effective email closings.
Understanding the Context: Why Email Closings Matter
Before diving into specific closings, it's important to understand why a strong email ending is crucial. Your closing sentence sets the tone for your entire communication. It impacts how the recipient perceives your professionalism, urgency, and overall message. A weak closing can leave a reader feeling confused or even annoyed.
Reddit's Top Email Closing Suggestions for Beginners:
Reddit users consistently recommend these simple yet effective email closings for beginners:
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"Best regards,": This is a classic and universally accepted closing. It's polite, professional, and suitable for most situations. It's a safe bet if you're unsure what to use. Keyword: Professional Email Closings
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"Sincerely,": Another timeless option, "Sincerely" conveys warmth and professionalism. It's particularly appropriate for formal emails or those addressed to clients or superiors. Keyword: Formal Email Closings
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"Thanks," or "Thank you,": These are ideal for emails where you've requested something or expressed gratitude. They are concise and clearly communicate your appreciation. Keyword: Thank You Email Closings
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"Regards,": A slightly less formal option than "Best regards," but still perfectly acceptable for most professional contexts. Keyword: Professional Email Closings
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"Kind regards,": Slightly warmer than "Regards," offering a touch more personal connection. Keyword: Friendly Email Closings
Beyond the Basics: Adding a Personal Touch (With Caution!)
While the above closings are safe bets, Reddit also offers suggestions for adding a personalized touch, but cautions against overdoing it.
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Adding the sender's name: Always include your name below your closing. This reinforces professionalism and helps the recipient easily identify the sender. Keyword: Email Signature
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Contextual closings: For specific situations (e.g., following up on a job application), a more context-specific closing might be appropriate. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your email. Keyword: Follow Up Email Closings
What to Avoid: Reddit's Email Closing No-Nos
Reddit discussions also highlight email closings to avoid, especially for beginners:
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Overly casual closings: Avoid slang, emojis, or overly informal language in professional emails. Keywords: Professional Communication, Business Email Etiquette
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Vague closings: Closings like "Cheers" or "Talk soon" can be inappropriate for formal communications. Keyword: Formal Email Etiquette
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No closing at all: This is a major faux pas. Always include a closing to maintain professionalism. Keyword: Email Etiquette
Mastering the Art of Email Closings: Continuous Learning
Learning to write effective email closings is a process. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what feels natural and professional for you. Refer back to Reddit threads and other online resources for continued guidance. Remember, consistency and clarity are key to building a strong professional image through your email communication.
