You are learning formal email english: you will read the scene it happens in, learn 10 words and phrases, take apart the pattern behind them (formal email structures: opening, purpose, request, closing), hear them in a conversation, rehearse them, and finish by saying one thing out loud to be graded.
A food industry office in Chelsea Market, drafting professional emails
After the dinner at The James Beard House, I had three business cards in my pocket and zero idea how to follow up. My mentor, a food industry veteran who works out of Chelsea Market, sat me down the next morning.
'First rule,' she said. 'Send the email within twenty-four hours. After that, you're forgotten.' She opened her laptop. 'Start with the connection: I hope this finds you well. I really enjoyed our conversation at last night's dinner.' Then state your purpose clearly: 'I'm writing to follow up on your mention of the collaboration opportunity.'
'Now the ask,' she continued. 'Would it be possible to schedule a brief call next week to discuss this further? I'd love to learn more about your team's vision.' Not 'Can we meet?' — too blunt. Not 'I was wondering if maybe possibly we could perhaps...' — too weak.
'Close with confidence,' she said. 'I look forward to hearing from you. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Warm regards.' I sent the email at 10 AM. By noon, I had a meeting scheduled for Thursday. Three words my mentor repeated: Clear. Polite. Brief.