Ending an email informally can feel tricky. Too casual, and you risk appearing unprofessional. Too formal, and you lose that friendly connection you've hopefully built throughout the email. This guide provides a practical strategy to master the art of the informal email close, helping you boost your communication skills and make a positive impression.
Understanding the Context: Who Are You Emailing?
Before diving into closing lines, consider your audience. The level of formality depends heavily on your relationship with the recipient.
- Close Colleagues & Friends: You have more leeway here. Informal closings are perfectly acceptable and even expected.
- New Contacts & Clients: While a friendly tone is good, err on the slightly more formal side initially. As your relationship develops, you can gradually adopt more informal closings.
- Superiors: Unless your workplace culture is exceptionally informal, stick to more traditional closings even if you have a good rapport. Jumping to informality too soon can be perceived negatively.
Crafting the Perfect Informal Email Closing: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here's a breakdown of how to choose and use informal email closings effectively:
Step 1: Choose Your Closing Phrase
Select a closing that reflects your relationship and the email's content. Here are some excellent options:
- Simple & Sweet: "Best," "Cheers," "Thanks," "Regards," "Later," "Talk soon." These work well in most informal situations.
- Slightly More Personal: "Have a great day," "Have a good week," "Wishing you a great weekend," "All the best." These add a touch of warmth.
- Playful (Use Sparingly): "Catch you later," "Take care," "See ya," Only use these with people you know very well and where it aligns with your workplace culture.
Step 2: Adding a Personal Touch (Optional)
A brief, personalized sentence before your closing can make your email feel more genuine and memorable.
- Instead of: "Best,"
- Try: "Best, and let me know if you have any questions." or "Best, looking forward to hearing from you."
This adds value and shows you're invested in the conversation.
Step 3: Your Name
Always include your name below the closing. This is crucial for professionalism, regardless of how informal your closing is.
Examples of Informal Email Closings in Action
Let's see how these elements work together:
Example 1 (Colleague):
Hey [Colleague's Name],
Just wanted to quickly follow up on the project. Let me know if you need anything else.
Cheers,
[Your Name]
Example 2 (Client, after a few interactions):
Hi [Client's Name],
I've attached the revised document as requested. Please let me know your thoughts. Have a great week!
Best,
[Your Name]
What to Avoid in Informal Email Closings
- Overly casual language: Avoid slang, abbreviations (unless common in your workplace), and emojis unless explicitly appropriate for your workplace culture.
- Inconsistent closings: Choose a consistent style for emails to a particular person to maintain professionalism.
- Ignoring context: Always consider your relationship with the recipient when selecting a closing.
Mastering the Art of Informal Email Closings: Key Takeaways
Ending an email informally is a skill that improves with practice. By paying attention to context, choosing the right closing phrase, adding a personal touch, and avoiding pitfalls, you'll confidently craft emails that are both professional and personable. Remember to always prioritize clear communication and respect for your recipient.
