Email Etiquette: What Should and Shouldn't You Do in Professional Correspondence

Email has become an indispensable tool in the modern workplace, making it crucial for ESL learners to master the art of email communication. This lesson plan is designed to guide intermediate B1-level students through the nuances of workplace email etiquette, covering everything from tone to structure.

Summary

This lesson will explore the essential elements of email etiquette in the workplace. Students will learn how to craft professional emails, focusing on choosing the right tone, structuring content effectively, and understanding the do's and don'ts of email communication. By the end of the lesson, students will be equipped with the skills needed to communicate professionally via email in any business environment.

Lesson Focus

Students will gain comprehensive knowledge in professional writing and communication skills, specifically tailored to email etiquette in the modern workplace. This includes understanding the importance of tone, clarity, and professionalism in email communication. Additionally, learners will practice writing emails with a focus on etiquette, enabling them to navigate the professional world with confidence.

Lesson Content

Activity 1: Tone and Formality in Emails

Approximate Time Needed: 30 minutes

Objective: To understand and apply the appropriate tone and formality in email writing.

Materials: Sample email exchanges provided by the teacher, either from a textbook or created for the lesson. These can be found in most ESL textbooks or online educational resources.

Instructions

Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of tone and formality in professional emails.
Divide students into pairs and provide them with sample email exchanges that vary in tone and formality.
Ask students to identify the tone in each email and discuss how appropriate it is for a workplace setting.
Conclude by summarizing the key takeaways on using the correct tone and formality in emails.

Activity 2: Structuring Your Email

Approximate Time Needed: 40 minutes

Objective: To practice structuring emails in a clear and efficient manner.

Materials: A guideline on email structure, along with a set of information that must be included in an email. These materials can be easily prepared by teachers or sourced from educational websites.

Instructions

Introduce the concept of a well-structured email, including elements such as the subject line, greeting, body, closing, and signature.
Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a set of information to be communicated in an email.
Ask each group to draft an email using the provided information, ensuring they structure their email correctly.
Each group presents their email to the class for feedback on structure and clarity.

Activity 3: Email Do's and Don'ts Quiz

Approximate Time Needed: 20 minutes

Objective: To reinforce the do's and don'ts of email etiquette through a fun and interactive quiz.

Materials: A quiz prepared by the teacher, focusing on the do's and don'ts of email communication. This can be created using quiz-making software or simply paper-based.

Instructions

Explain the rules of the quiz and its focus on email etiquette.
Divide the class into teams and administer the quiz, encouraging discussion among team members before answering.
Review the answers as a class, providing explanations for each do and don't.
Conclude with a group discussion on the key learnings from the quiz.

Wrap Up

This lesson plan has guided students through the fundamental aspects of email etiquette that are crucial for the modern workplace. From understanding the importance of tone to structuring emails for clarity, students are now better equipped to navigate professional email communication.

Email etiquette is not just about writing; it's about effective communication and professionalism. To further strengthen these skills, integrating technology like ALULA, an AI-powered ESL app, can be incredibly beneficial. ALULA offers engaging conversation and speaking exercises tailored to specific topics, including workplace communication. By practicing with AI, students can refine their command of professional English, ensuring they're not only prepared but confident in their abilities. Integrating ALULA into the learning journey provides an accessible, interactive method to perfect the art of email communication in English.