Write Better Emails: Tactics for Smarter Team Communication from Udemy

The #1 Udemy bestselling course about email communication in teams

Over 167,000+ students have taken this course with successful results

Learn simple email writing skills that will help you become a better communicator and influencer with your team.

Master Writing More Effective Emails Using Research-Based Guidelines

Assign tasks using the "3Ws" to increase influence
Create powerful subject lines to ensure readability
Present options to reduce back & forth emails
Use "If...then..." statements to increase accountability

Simple Email Writing Tactics that will Save You Time and Frustration

Most employees spend over 11 hours per week reading and replying to email messages. In this course, you'll learn how to spend less time and improve communication with your team members. You'll also understand how to make your messages more effective using simple tweaks.

For example, you'll learn how to make your emails more scannable and how to break your long emails so that they're easier to read. You'll also learn the common mistakes people make when they ask questions in emails, and how to avoid them.

Powerful Business Writing Skills You Will Use for Your Entire Career

Email is not going anywhere.

Although new tools (such as Slack) keep popping up, email is still the main tool used for team collaboration around the world. Moreover, employers consistently list "good business writing skills" as an important pre-requisite for most job requirements, and proper email etiquette is a critical component for getting a job. So you'll learn powerful email writing skills that will help you for your entire career.

Content and Overview

This course contains over 20 lectures and 1.5 hours of content. It is designed for any manager, employee, or entrepreneur who regularly works in teams of 5 or more people.

The content includes over 18 tactics about solid email writing skills that help you draft emails to minimize confusion with your team.

The course is delivered in a format that is easily digestible for busy professionals.

Each tactic includes an overview of why it works, and an example of how you can apply it in the real world.

The course also covers a few case studies of horrible emails, and how you can avoid them (including the "Reply All" syndrome).

Here are the tactics that are covered in this course:

How to Assign Tasks in Emails (using the 3Ws)
How to Write the Perfect Subject Line
Write Emails that are Five Sentences or Less (TL;DR)
Break Long Emails Into Two Parts
How to Make Your Emails Scannable
Show Instead of Tell by Attaching Screenshots
Spell Out Time Zones, Dates and Acronyms
Use "If...Then" Statements
Present Options Instead of Asking Open-Ended Questions
Re-read Your Email Once for a Content Check
Save Drafts of Repetitive Emails
Write it Now, Send it Later Using "Delay Delivery"
How to Properly Use "Reply All"
Reply to Questions Inline
Reply Immediately to Time-Sensitive Emails
Read the Latest Email on a Thread Before Responding
Write the Perfect Out-of-Office (OOO) Auto Reply
Share the Rules of Email Ahead of Time

The course is technology-agnostic. This means that it doesn't matter which email technology tool you use (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.).

By the end of this course, you'll be able to communicate and collaborate better with your team. You'll improve your business writing skills, your email writing skills, and email etiquette skills. You'll also save time and increase your productivity in writing and responding to emails.

Student Testimonials:

"This course has some excellent tips for clear email communication that I have never thought of before. Suitable for all levels, even those who consider themselves an expert in email writing." - Lisa Irawan

"The course was short, which is good, but to the point with a clear message. I would really recommend to go through it when you're struggling with a full mailbox and your email management." - Tomas Harcar

"I've been writing work emails for years, so I'd like to think I know what I'm doing, but I learned a lot of new things from this course. The instructor backs up most of his tips with research and live examples. It takes very little time to get through all of the videos, and you might be able to skip some of them, depending on your needs (the titles make clear whether they'll be relevant to you). Very helpful from a project management perspective." - Christine Browne

30 Day Money Back Guarantee

If you are not satisfied with the course for any reason, you may return the course within 30 days of the purchase date.

Ready to Enroll?

Click on the "Buy Now" or "Enroll Now" button in the top right corner of this page and start learning how to sharpen your email writing skills, excel at business writing, and improve communication with your team.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Improve your email writing skills in simple steps
Learn proper email etiquette and business writing techniques that get you results
Avoid common errors in email messages that confuse people
The #1 udemy bestselling course about email communication in teams

Improve communication within teams
Save time in writing and responding to emails
Write clear email messages that explain exactly what you want
Get higher response rates from teammates

Improve your email writing skills in simple steps
Learn proper email etiquette and business writing techniques that get you results
Avoid common errors in email messages that confuse people
The #1 udemy bestselling course about email communication in teams
Improve communication within teams
Save time in writing and responding to emails
Write clear email messages that explain exactly what you want
Get higher response rates from teammates

Syllabus

I’ll touch on why this course will help students, and what they’ll get out of it once they’ve completed it.

A quick introduction about the "Write Better Emails" course, and four reasons why you should take it.

An overview about how the "Write Better Emails" course is structured, and what you can expect to learn.

A quick and important note about the course before you start.

In this section, we'll cover the basic fundamentals of writing better emails (5 core video lectures)

In this video, we’ll discuss how to assign tasks in emails so they’re crystal clear to the person on the receiving end. I’ll also go over what I call the “Three W’s” and how to use them strategically so that your team members will follow through on your task assignments. I’ll also share some best practices so that you reduce any potential miscommunication with your team.

In this video, we’ll go over how to write the perfect subject lines for your emails so that they’re more effective and have higher open rates by your team.

In this lecture, we’ll go over how to write emails that are five sentences or less so that they’re read and acted on by your team members.

In this video, we’ll go over how to write longer emails by breaking them into two parts.

In this lecture, we’ll go over how to make your emails scannable so that they’re easy on the eyes for your readers. We’ll also discuss tactics that help you highlight the most important information in your messages so that they pop out.

In this section, we'll cover some additional tactics that help you become a better email communicator with your team (13 additional video lectures).

In this video, we’ll go over how to show instead of tell by attaching screenshots in your email messages

In this lecture, we’ll go over how to spell out time zones, dates, and acronyms so that you reduce miscommunication and confusion among your team.

In this video, we’ll go over how to use “if… then” statements and improve communication flow in your messages.

In this short video, we’ll go over how to present options instead of asking open-ended questions so that you control the conversation a bit more.

In this video, we'll discuss content mistakes and why you should re-read your email once for a check before you hit send.

In this lecture, we’ll look at how to save drafts of repetitive emails that you frequently send out to your team members, such as weekly meeting minutes or monthly business updates.

In this video, we’ll discuss a really cool tactic of how to write an email now, and send it later using a feature called “Delay Delivery”… we’ll also discuss why you should use it and how it can help you out.

In this lecture, we’ll go over how to properly use reply all by covering 4 tips that you should follow to make life easier for everyone on your team.

In this video, we’ll talk about how and why you should reply to questions inline in your email messages (and we'll cover 3 tips about how to accomplish that).

In this lecture, we’ll cover a couple of tips about how to reply immediately to time sensitive emails.

In this video, we’ll discuss how and why you should read the latest email on a thread before responding back.

An out-of-office (OOO) auto reply is an automated message that your email system sends when you’re unreachable through email. In this short video, we’ll cover how to write the perfect one.

In this short video, we’ll discuss how and why you should share the rules of email ahead of time with your team.

A recap of all the tactics, and bonus lecture

Conclusion of the "Write Better Emails" course and next steps.

Bonus Lecture: Free Email Resources (1-page PDF + PowerPoint slides)

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in sending clear, concise email messages that increase productivity and save time

Explores sending emails that explain exactly what the request is for improved communication with team members

Strengthens email writing skills that get results by improving email clarity and professionalism

Provides tactics for writing professional emails for improved business communication in a team setting

Teaches methods for improving communication and collaboration among teams through email

Utilizes a simple and easy-to-understand format with real-world examples for clear understanding of email tactics

Reviews summary

Email communication skills

This course teaches you how to write better emails for clear and effective communication with your teammates. **What learners say:** * "This course has some excellent tips for clear email communication that I have never thought of before. Suitable for all levels, even those who consider themselves an expert in email writing." - Lisa Irawan * "The course was short, which is good, but to the point with a clear message. I would really recommend to go through it when you're struggling with a full mailbox and your email management." - Tomas Harcar * "I've been writing work emails for years, so I'd like to think I know what I'm doing, but I learned a lot of new things from this course. The instructor backs up most of his tips with research and live examples. It takes very little time to get through all of the videos, and you might be able to skip some of them, depending on your needs (the titles make clear whether they'll be relevant to you). Very helpful from a project management perspective." - Christine Browne

Emails should be concise and to the point. Stick to five sentences or less and break long emails into smaller chunks.

"This class is a good fit for me. I don't consider myself to be computer literate. The Instructor is very knowledgeable regarding the subject matter and the class is very engaging. I was introduced to a wealth of information. I'm going to watch this one again."

"I found the content interesting and very much liked how he gave examples of both good and bad so you could see both. I also liked how the content was compartmentalized so you could go and review individual stand alone modules within the course. Nicely done."

Maintain a professional tone in your emails, even when communicating with colleagues. Avoid using slang, acronyms, or overly casual language.

"It was helpful but at the end of the course, you are trying to force us to subscribe to your website to get free! contents and it is very disappointing. Why don't you upload these file on Udemy's website? I don't want to subscribe your website and I would like to get these course contents. Can't I?"

When assigning tasks in emails, clearly state the who, what, and when. This eliminates confusion and ensures everyone is clear on their responsibilities.

"Thank you so much for this course. It gave me insight to writing better emails. I learned the 3Ws, how to attach screenshots and send emails using delay delivery. It broke down how important it is to write better emails and several ways to communicate better with your team."

Write clear and concise subject lines that accurately reflect the content of your email. This helps recipients quickly identify and prioritize messages.

"Coming from a teaching background I know how important it is to be clear on an email due to the fact that everyone learns and receives information differently. So it just saves a bunch of time and confusion if you just clearly state the who, what, and when."

Proofread your emails carefully before sending them to ensure they are error-free. This includes checking for typos, grammatical errors, and overall clarity.

"The course gives many practical tips with writing concise, effective emails to better communicate with my colleagues. It was well presented with colorful and helpful visuals. Many points brought up were new to me and I'm so glad I took this training. Thank you!"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Write Better Emails: Tactics for Smarter Team Communication with these activities:

Review the basics of grammar and punctuation

Show steps

A quick review of grammar and punctuation can help to ensure that your emails are clear and error-free.

Browse courses on Email Etiquette

Show steps

Take a grammar and punctuation quiz.
Review a grammar and punctuation handbook.

Review email etiquette

Show steps

Reviewing email etiquette will provide essential insights on structuring and presenting ideas more effectively.

Browse courses on Email Etiquette

Show steps

Look up and read articles about essential email etiquette.
Practice writing clear and concise emails by drafting mock messages to colleagues or friends.

Review the book 'The Art of Clear Writing' by Robert A. Harris

Show steps

This book will help you to improve your writing skills and make your emails more effective.

View Living with the Sermon: Signposts on the... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book.
Summarize the key points of the book.
Apply the techniques from the book to your own writing.

Eight other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 11 activities

Connect with experienced email communicators

Show steps

Mentors can provide valuable insights, feedback, and guidance to enhance email communication skills.

Browse courses on Mentorship

Show steps

Identify individuals with expertise in email communication.
Reach out and request mentorship or guidance.

Take an online course on email communication

Show steps

Taking an online class can help you to develop your writing skills and learn more about email etiquette.

Browse courses on Email Etiquette

Show steps

Do some research to find an online course that is right for you.
Sign up for the course and complete the lessons.
Apply the techniques you learn in the course to your own writing.

Write 5-sentence emails

Show steps

Regular practice in writing concise 5-sentence emails will significantly enhance clarity and effective communication.

Browse courses on Email Writing

Show steps

Choose a topic and gather key points to convey in your 5-sentence email.
Draft your email, ensuring that each sentence succinctly expresses a crucial idea.
Review and edit your email, removing unnecessary words and phrases.

Explore 'Subject Line Magic' tutorial

Show steps

'Subject Line Magic' provides valuable guidance on crafting compelling subject lines that increase email open rates and engagement.

Browse courses on Email Subject Lines

Show steps

Read and understand the principles of writing effective email subject lines.
Apply these principles to optimize subject lines for your own emails.

Create a short email to a colleague

Show steps

Writing an email is a skill that is used quite frequently when working on a team. Practicing this skill will help you write emails that are easily understood and more effective in conveying your message.

Browse courses on Email Etiquette

Show steps

Think about the purpose of your email
Create a clear and concise subject line
Use a professional tone
Proofread your email before sending

Create an email template library

Show steps

Developing a library of email templates will streamline email composition, saving time and ensuring consistency in messaging.

Browse courses on Email Templates

Show steps

Identify common email scenarios and draft corresponding templates.
Organize and store your templates in an easily accessible location.
Customize and reuse templates for specific email communications.

Communicate your ideas more clearly and persuasively

Show steps

You will be able to better understand how to communicate your ideas through written form if you start a project that requires you to do just that.

Browse courses on Email Etiquette

Show steps

Identify a topic that you are passionate about.
Research your topic thoroughly.
Organize your thoughts and ideas.
Write a draft of your email.
Get feedback from others on your draft.

Write a blog post about email communication

Show steps

By writing a blog post or article about this topic, you will demonstrate a deeper understanding of all aspects of writing effective emails.

Browse courses on Email Etiquette

Show steps

Choose a topic for your blog post.
Research your topic thoroughly.
Write a draft of your blog post.
Get feedback from others on your draft.
Publish your blog post.

Career center

Learners who complete Write Better Emails: Tactics for Smarter Team Communication will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Marketing Manager

As a Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. This may include writing marketing copy, managing social media accounts, and tracking campaign results. The Write Better Emails course can help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with customers and clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for planning and executing projects. This may include writing project plans, managing budgets, and communicating with stakeholders. The Write Better Emails course can help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with team members and stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Sales Manager

As a Sales Manager, you will be responsible for leading a sales team and achieving sales goals. This may include cold calling, closing deals, and managing customer relationships. The Write Better Emails course can help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with potential and current customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing business processes and recommending improvements. This may include writing reports, giving presentations, and communicating with stakeholders. The Write Better Emails course can help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with stakeholders and presenting your findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Communications Manager

As a Communications Manager, you will be responsible for the public-facing communications of an organization. This may include writing press releases, managing social media accounts, and giving speeches. The Write Better Emails course can help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with the media and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Manager

Public Relations Specialist

As a Public Relations Specialist, you will be responsible for managing the reputation of an organization. This may include writing press releases, managing social media accounts, and giving speeches. The Write Better Emails course can help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with the media and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Consultant

As a Consultant, you will be responsible for providing advice and guidance to clients. This may include writing reports, giving presentations, and communicating with stakeholders. The Write Better Emails course can help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with clients and presenting your findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Customer Success Manager

As a Customer Success Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring that customers are satisfied with your company's products or services. This may include onboarding new customers, resolving customer issues, and providing training. The Write Better Emails course can help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with customers and resolving their issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Success Manager

Copywriter

As a Copywriter, you will be responsible for writing marketing copy for websites, brochures, and other marketing materials. This may include writing about technical topics in a clear and concise way. The Write Better Emails course can help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with your audience and promoting your company.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Content Writer

As a Content Writer, you will be responsible for writing website content, blog posts, and other marketing materials. This may include writing about technical topics in a clear and concise way. The Write Better Emails course can help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with your audience and promoting your company.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

Technical Writer

As a Technical Writer, you will be responsible for writing instruction manuals, white papers, and other technical documents. This may include explaining complex concepts in a clear and concise way. The Write Better Emails course can help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with technical audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Editor

As an Editor, you will be responsible for editing and proofreading written content. This may include editing technical documents, marketing materials, and other written materials. The Write Better Emails course can help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with authors and ensuring that written content is clear and concise.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Professor

As a Professor, you will be responsible for teaching students at a college or university level. This may include writing lesson plans, grading papers, and communicating with students. The Write Better Emails course may help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

Librarian

As a Librarian, you will be responsible for managing a library and helping patrons find information. This may include writing reports, giving presentations, and communicating with stakeholders. The Write Better Emails course may help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with patrons and presenting your findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Teacher

As a Teacher, you will be responsible for teaching students in a classroom setting. This may include writing lesson plans, grading papers, and communicating with parents. The Write Better Emails course may help you build a foundation in email writing skills, which are essential for communicating with parents and students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher