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E-mail Heading Formality (After Several E-mails)
Posted: Sat May 03, 2014 5:00 pm
by Kafkaesquire
This isn't strictly related to law, of course, but of this I think you all would be more aware, and err more on the side of caution, than those in other forums I am subscribed to.
After the first 4-5 e-mail conversations with a colleague or superior, I have a tendency to drop the "Ms/Mr" and head my e-mails with their first name. While doing so feels natural to me, I worry about coming off as careless or disrespectful.
Where do you guys draw the line?
Re: E-mail Heading Formality (After Several E-mails)
Posted: Sat May 03, 2014 5:05 pm
by toothbrush
Kafkaesquire wrote:This isn't strictly related to law, of course, but of this I think you all would be more aware, and err more on the side of caution, than those in other forums I am subscribed to.
After the first 4-5 e-mail conversations with a colleague or superior, I have a tendency to drop the "Ms/Mr" and head my e-mails with their first name. While doing so feels natural to me, I worry about coming off as careless or disrespectful.
Where do you guys draw the line?
If they sign their name "[first name]" then your next email can say "hello, [first name]". At least that's what I was taught. Unless it is like a dignitary or something where you refer to them by title (maybe the Dean of the school or something)
Re: E-mail Heading Formality (After Several E-mails)
Posted: Sat May 03, 2014 5:15 pm
by Kafkaesquire
toothbrush wrote:Kafkaesquire wrote:This isn't strictly related to law, of course, but of this I think you all would be more aware, and err more on the side of caution, than those in other forums I am subscribed to.
After the first 4-5 e-mail conversations with a colleague or superior, I have a tendency to drop the "Ms/Mr" and head my e-mails with their first name. While doing so feels natural to me, I worry about coming off as careless or disrespectful.
Where do you guys draw the line?
If they sign their name "[first name]" then your next email can say "hello, [first name]". At least that's what I was taught. Unless it is like a dignitary or something where you refer to them by title (maybe the Dean of the school or something)
Yes, they always type "[First Name]" in closing several times before I tend to use the salutation "Hello [First Name],"
Re: E-mail Heading Formality (After Several E-mails)
Posted: Sat May 03, 2014 5:21 pm
by Theopliske8711
Yea the rule I've always followed is to address them in the name they sign at the end of a letter, unless they have a specific title (I always address my profs as Prof. X.). The initial email will address them as Mr/Ms. X.
Re: E-mail Heading Formality (After Several E-mails)
Posted: Sat May 03, 2014 5:25 pm
by Kafkaesquire
Sounds good guys. Thanks.