Hello and Goodbye in an Email

An email is not a text to a friend. So how do you start, and how do you stop?

First, say hello. “Hi Sam,” is warm and easy. “Dear Mr. Lee,” is for work. Do not start with no hello at all — that feels cold.

Then write your words. Keep them short and clear.

At the end, say goodbye. “Thanks!” is friendly. “Best, Anna” is good for work, too.

Online, people read fast. A small hello and a small goodbye make your email kind. That phrase at the start and the end? It is small, but it matters.