Email is a quick and easy way to communicate with your friends. You can email a friend any way you like, but a few simple guidelines can help. If you write to someone you haven't seen in a while, it's a good idea to start with an apology for not showing up earlier and update them on the latest news. You can attach images and use emojis to spice up your messages, but don't forget to check for errors before hitting the send key.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Starting the Email
Step 1. Find your friend's email address
Before you start writing, make sure you know the right address. If you've emailed him before, you can find his contact information in the address book. Otherwise, ask another friend.
Write your e-mail address in the "To" field
Step 2. Choose a subject that summarizes the message
The "Subject" field is located below that of the recipient. Use it to write a few words that summarize the content of the email, so your friend knows what to expect.
- If you are writing just for a greeting, you can put a simple "Hello!"
- If you write to a friend to invite them to your birthday party, you can choose "Invitation to my birthday party" as the subject.
Step 3. Open with a greeting
Start the email with a greeting, followed by the person's name and a comma. Since you are texting a friend, you can use "hello", "hey" or "hello".
"Hi Laura" is an example of a simple greeting
Step 4. Ask him how he is
Skip a line and ask a question, for example "How are you?", Or write a statement like "I hope you are well". This way you show your friend that you care about him.
Part 2 of 4: Writing the Body of the Email
Step 1. Tell your friend why you are writing to him
Are you interested in how his vacation went or how he is after an illness? Either way, start the message by saying why you decided to write to him.
You can say, "I heard you had the flu and I wanted to know how you were doing."
Step 2. Write what you want to say in a couple of paragraphs
Now that you've finished the introduction, it's time to add everything you want your friend to know. Break the longer pieces of text into paragraphs of 3-4 sentences so that the message is easier to read.
Step 3. Absolutely avoid writing everything in capital letters
It may seem like a good idea to convey your excitement, but it will give the impression of screaming. Instead, use asterisks or write bold to emphasize the most important parts.
Step 4. Ask a few questions from time to time, related to what you are writing
This way you let your friend know that you care about their opinion.
If you are talking about your beach holidays, you can ask: "Have you already been to the beach this summer? You should definitely go there"
Part 3 of 4: Write to a friend you haven't seen in a while
Step 1. Apologize for not showing up
It's normal to lose contact with a friend, but you should still apologize for getting off on the right foot.
You might say, "I'm sorry it's been so long since we last spoke. I've been really busy."
Step 2. Update him on your life and ask him questions about his
Since you haven't spoken in a while, you probably have a lot to tell each other. Tell him the most interesting news in your life and ask him what he did.
You can write, "I've started dating a girl since we last spoke. She's doing great. Do you see anyone?"
Step 3. Talk about the interests you have in common
Spend some time on the passions you share. If you are both very fans, write a few lines about the latest sports scores for your favorite team. Don't forget to ask your friend's opinion as well.
You can say: "Last Sunday's game was incredible! Did you see that goal at the last minute?"
Step 4. If desired, add an invitation or request towards the end of the message
If you want to invite your friend to a meeting or to join your party, now is the time to ask them.
You can say, "I have an engagement party for Tuesday night, do you think you can come?"
Part 4 of 4: Finish the Email
Step 1. Experiment with various text fonts and colors
Explore the Formatting Bar, which consists of a row of icons and is located at the top or bottom of the window. From here you can try various fonts and change the color of the text.
- If you're writing an email about a serious topic, it's best to use plain black text with a traditional font.
- If your friend uses a different email server than yours, some fonts may not appear. Arial, Times, Verdana, Trebuchet, and Geneva are usually safe choices.
- Try not to overdo it with fonts and colors. Your messages should still be easy to read.
Step 2. Add emojis, if applicable
If you're writing a funny email to a close friend, a few cute smilies can make the message even more affectionate. However, if the topic is more serious, you shouldn't use them or you will look too cheerful.
Be careful not to use too many emojis, as they can be distracting
Step 3. Finish with a wish
Write to your friend that you wish him the best, let him know that you would like an answer and that you hope to see him soon.
You can write: "I hope you have a nice weekend. Can't wait to hear from you!"
Step 4. Close and sign your email
End the message with a greeting, such as "Best wishes", "See you soon" or "With love". Then, skip a couple of lines and write your name.
Step 5. If you have to, attach pictures
Click the "Insert Photo" button, which usually looks like an image or a camera. You'll find it next to the other formatting buttons. Press it and you can choose a photo from your computer to upload.
- If you're writing a message telling a friend that you have a new dog, it's a good idea to attach a photo of the puppy!
- Don't attach too many photos. Otherwise the email could end up in your friend's spam folder.
Step 6. Check for errors
Once you've finished writing the email, read it once or twice for spelling and grammar errors. It will be easier for your friend to read an error-free message. If you are a child, ask for help from an adult you trust.
Also check that the address is correct
Step 7. Press Submit
When the email is ready, click the "Send" button. Are you done!
Advice
- Choose the tone and format of the email based on your relationship with your friend.
- Add a P. S. if you forgot to say something in the text of the message. You can do it under the signature.
- You can create a free email account on many sites. Try the most common ones like Hotmail, Gmail or Yahoo! Mail. Some require you to add your phone number, while for others it is optional information (which can be useful for recovering your account).
