Proper etiquette is needed for good relationships and good communication with other people, particularly in a business setting. This applies to e-mail messages as much as it would to any other type of correspondence.

  Tell your dispatchers - Never type your messages by using all capital letters. On the Internet, this is considered to be screaming, demanding or yelling at another person. It is nothing short of rude. Because many operating systems require the entry of words in all caps, many dispatchers carry this procedure over to e-mails. Not only is it inappropriate etiquette - it’s also difficult to read.

  To *emphasize* a word or phrase, simply type an asterisk in before and then directly after your word or phrase. This is a widely recognized way to get your point across without being rude.

  If spelling is a challenge for you, be sure to use Spell Check before sending your message. The image of your firm as a professional organization is enhanced by proper Internet protocol in company e-mails.