E-mail is one the most important communication methods of today, yet so many people don't know how to use it properly.

Use the navigation bar at the side to read each section in detail, or see the summary below:

• Always use a subject line that summarises the content of the e-mail, not one that tries to trick the person into opening it.
• Always remember to open and close e-mails - "hello" and "goodbye" (or similar).
• Make sure you use the To, Cc and Bcc fields to send the mail to the right people.
• Write more clearly, by shortening the lengths of words, sentences and paragraphs.
• Use Bold, Italics and different sized text to make the key points stand out.
• Check your spelling and grammar prior to hitting the send button.
• Add useful information in your signature, including alternative contact details and how often you check your mail.
• Be careful with attachments - never send more than 1MB attachments without being sure their mailbox can handle them. Also, stick to common formats such as .jpg for images, and .pdf for documents.

With these simple principles, you can create e-mails that other people appreciate.