HBR Guide to Better Business Writing (HBR Guide Series)

Appendix E Some Dos and Don’ts of Business-Writing Etiquette

Dos:

1. Proofread all documents before sending them out to make sure the spelling and grammar are correct.
2. Double-check that the recipient’s name is spelled correctly and that the form of address is proper (Ms., Mrs., Miss, Mr., Dr., Judge, Justice, Honorable, etc.). Double-check the envelope, too, if there is one.
3. Sign business letters with your full name unless you’re friends with the recipient. If the salutation is “Dear Mr. Smith,” sign your full name; if it’s “Dear George,” sign your first name only.
4. Sign your letters with an ink pen and not with a stamp of your signature.
5. Always include your contact information so that the recipient will know how to respond to you.
6. If you’re ...