How to End an Email Politely

End an Email Politely

When it comes to professional email etiquette, your closing line is just as important as the subject line. In fact, the type of closing you choose can drastically impact how your recipient perceives your email as a whole. That’s because email closing lines act as a bridge between the body of your email and your signature, conveying your final impression and desired outcome.

While you want to maintain a certain level of professionalism, your email closing should also leave room for a little friendly conversation. Thankfully, there are many ways to how to end an email politely that will leave the door open for future correspondence.

Generally speaking, an email sign off should be friendly and lighthearted, unless the context of your email calls for a more formal response. The type of person you’re writing to and the dynamic of your relationship will also play a role in deciding on the right email sign off for you.

How to End an Email Politely

For example, “Ciao” is a great casual email sign off for people you know well in more personal and relaxed settings. However, it’s best avoided in more formal workplace situations and when writing to colleagues that you interact with regularly. Likewise, more emotionally charged email sign offs like “Love,” “Lots of love,” and “Hugs” should be reserved for friends and family members.

Some of the most popular email sign offs are “Regards,” “Best regards,” and “Kind regards.” These are safe and standard choices that are typically used in business communication, as they’re both friendly and professional without being overly formal. However, they can be a bit of a default choice and may not leave a lasting impression on your recipient.

Other email sign offs that can be more creative and unique include, “Thank you,” “With appreciation,” or “Best wishes.” These are all great options for professional emails and can help set your correspondence apart. They’re especially great for emails that are seeking a response, as they’ll be more likely to encourage your recipient to engage in further dialogue.

Lastly, email sign offs that offer a call to action can also be effective at encouraging recipients to take the next step and initiate further dialogue. This can be as simple as requesting a meeting time, asking for feedback, or suggesting other methods of contact. These email sign offs can dramatically increase the likelihood that your recipient will respond to your request, compared to other less direct options.

Regardless of which email sign off you choose to use, it’s important to remember that your email signature should also include essential contact information. This will ensure that recipients have other avenues to reach you in the event that they’d prefer a different method of communication than email. And don’t forget to always keep your email signature brief and to the point–many recipients frequently skim emails and may miss your closing line if it’s too lengthy. With these tips in mind, you can be sure to write an email sign off that’s both polite and professional every time.