Q: I am finally getting the hang of using e-mail as my main mode of communication with clients and co-workers. However, I think my e-mails are a bit long and could sound more professional. Is there any e-mail etiquette I should be aware of?

A: Nowadays, e-mails are the quickest way of getting in touch with people, because most people are sitting in front of a computer at their job. E-mail etiquette is important and it is great that you want to brush up on your habits. Here are some pointers:

1. Be concise and to the point. People don't like reading lengthy e-mails. They want questions to be asked in the beginning so they can move on to other issues. Be aware of what you are writing and see if there are ways to shorten your response or question.

2. Make use of the subject line. In the subject line, address the reason you are writing to the person. This will help the person receiving the message determine the importance of when to respond.

3. Don't use capital letters unless necessary. People think capital letters mean they are getting yelled at.

4. Use templates for frequent responses. If you have to reply to certain issues constantly, have a set message you can use to shorten the time it takes you to respond.

5. Don't discuss confidential information. Companies can monitor e-mail. So, make sure you are not writing things you don't want others to read.

6. Proofread. Before you send the e-mail, be sure to read it for grammatical errors and to make sure you are answering the question at hand.

Michael Crom is executive vice president of Dale Carnegie Training. For advice on work issues, visit www.dalecarnegie.com or e-mail carnegiecoach@dalecarnegie.com.