There are lots of ways to begin an email or text message. Many people jump right in with no greeting. After all, one might reason, the recipient's name is already on the screen above the message, so why repeat it?

I know many people are in a desperate hurry. I get it. They barely have time to breathe. But when possible, a greeting is a nice touch that conveys respect and professionalism.

One of the nicest ones I've seen is "Hello Miller." The grammar books tell us the correct way of doing this is "Hello, Miller," or in business, the heavily punctuated "Hello, Miller:".
Which raises another point, or two. In modern communications, the comma and colon are being abandoned in favor of a message that begins simply with the recipient's name.

Example:

Susan

When can you take a look at this?
I like this minimalist approach. It's warmer to start with "Hi Susan" or "Hello Susan."
Occasionally we still see the word 'Dear' at the top of a business message. Perhaps a little vintage, but also warm and personal in a timeless sort of way.
Using a greeting may seem trivial, but in business it's a good habit.

What's really hard to understand is a message that ends with lower case:

best, Joan (Is this the best we can do?)

Sincerely, dave (Does this communicate low self-esteem or a lack of sincerity?)

Just as the greeting adds warmth and sincerity, the closing follows through in kind.

Best regards,
Miller

© Miller McMillan