How a Simple Greeting Changes Your Email Tone

Greetings aren’t always required. But in certain contexts, skipping them makes emails feel abrupt—especially when there’s a request or deadline.

When it’s worth adding a greeting

• First contact
• External/client communication
• Requests with deadlines

Minimal, natural options

• Openers: “Hi [Name],” / “Hello,” / “Quick question—”
• Closings: “Thanks,” / “Appreciate it,” / “Best,”

Example

Before: “Review the attachment and reply.”
After: “Hi [Name]—could you take a look at the attachment when you have a moment and let me know? Thanks.”