Subject Lines: Erasing Ambiguity -- Part 1

Be clear—but concise—when indicating the subject of an e-mail. Lengthy subject lines lose reader interest and may delay when the e-mail is opened and read.

It should take your reader no more than three seconds to read the subject line of an e-mail.

The tone of your subject line is just as important as the tone is of your e-mail. Avoid taking a directive tone that demands action from the recipient. For instance:

Don't write

Write this

Reports Due Now!!!

Review and Return

Please submit Human Resources Reports to Susan Henry by May 31st

Procurement Report: For your review

Click Here:

To view BCG's writing courses

To access additional writing tips

To submit a writing question