Introduction

This short post is about getting an email address (if you don’t already have one) and writing simple emails that meet their purpose and are written in the correct style for that purpose. We will also describe/show you how to attach a file to an email.

There are many different email tools. The example we are using is Gmail. If you have a different email you will be able to do the same things but the steps may be slightly different. If you get stuck try looking for the “Help” in your email tool it may be hiding under another menu or icon – the Gmail one is in the menu on the “gear” icon at the top right of the screen. Another way to get help is to put a comment on this post asking if anyone can help you with your particular email program.

Getting an email account

If you already have an email account then you don’t need this bit of the post! If you need to get an email we suggest you get Gmail. When you get Gmail you do this by getting a Google Account. As well as Gmail this gives you the opportunity to add other Google toolseasily if and when you want them. This link will take you to a sign up page for a Google Account Once you have signed up send your lecturer an email so that they will know your email address.

Emails “fit” for purpose

Just like other forms of written communiction we use different styles of writing depending on the audience for our email. It is important to use the correct style or we could offend someone or give them wrong ideas about us. We also need to make sure that we use a sensible subject line – this helps people to find the email they want. Checkout the Slideshare for more information.

 

Writing a simple email

Click on this Writing a Simple Email link for a screencast that will show you how to write a simple email that meets its purpose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attaching a file to an email

We will ask you to word process some of your work and send it by email to us. Especially first drafts of written texts and also when we have given you a template to complete. To do this you will need to know how to attach a file to an email.

Click on this Attaching a File to Email link to see the screencast on how to attach a file to an email.

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

If you have any problems with writing or sending emails or attaching files you can get help in several ways:

• talk to your lecturer in virtual class;
• put a comment on this post so that others can help you;
• email your lecturer (if the problem is with attaching files).

Remember if you have an email program other than Gmail the process for doing emails might be slightly different and the buttons might have different labels. However you will still be able to do the same things!

Happy Emailing 🙂