Ronna Timpa, owner of Workplace ESL Solutions and active NHLA member, teaches business writing classes. Today she is sharing some useful tips with Master Key readers. Read on.

One space or two? – Nothing shouts “over 40” than two spaces. When my teenage daughter asks me to type a paper for her, she reminds me to only use one space. Use one or two – whichever makes you happy, BUT be consistent. Your organization may have a standard of using one space.
Do I really need to proofread? Well, your word is your brand. People will judge you by your word. Is it fair? Is life fair? No. Sorry, but it’s true. I still have sleepless nights after I see the wrong form of you’re/your on Facebook.
Is it its or it’s? – Just say “it is” when you see the contraction and you’ll get it right. Feel free to use this as a party idea.
Can I end an email with “Thanks,” – Well, are you thanking someone? Please don’t have it attached to your signature line.
Is it effect or affect? – who knows? Choose another word – there are many others to choose from, but if you are dying to know, affect is usually a verb and effect is usually a noun. Now you can impress your friends. You’re welcome.
What’s the best way to start an email at work?

a. Best way – Hi Ronna,

b. Greetings, (if you don’t know their name)

c. Hey! – Fine to use with friends, but the very informal salutation should stay out of the workplace.

d. Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. (last name) – A bit too formal for an email

e. Dear Ronna, – a bit old-fashioned

f. Dear friend, – If you don’t know my name or can’t be bothered to use it, we probably aren’t friends.

g. To whom it may concern, – Well, this doesn’t concern me, so DELETE. Not used anymore.

h. Good morning/afternoon/evening, – It may not be morning, afternoon or evening by the time your email reaches the person.

i. Yo! – no explanation needed.

j. Misspelled name, – again, no explanation needed

k. Happy Friday! – You don’t want to be overly enthusiastic. It’s not professional and can set the wrong tone. It’s also annoying to some people.

l. All, – NO – It sounds abrupt. If you are writing to a group, use, “Hi, everyone.”

One suggestion that I always give: Every morning, send a friend, family member, colleague or co-worker an email to say “thanks” for something. That’s 7 positive emails a week. Life changing for the person receiving it AND the person sending it. Try it.