What about ALL CAPS in the SUBJECT: Field?

Email etiquette recommends avoiding all caps, as it can give the impression that you are raising your voice. Usually, caps are viewed in two ways: either as strong emphasis or as laziness. So, what about all caps in the Subject line?

Discretion is Key

But there are exceptions to every rule, right? In general, know that using caps adds emphasis. The fact is that caps create the perception of emphasis — the level of which will be determined by the person on the other side. Emphasis that is out of your control to control.

Or worse, you could be misidentified as a spammer who caps everything as though that will legitimize their message. Neither perception is good.

You can still draw attention to your email by being creative and using the Subject field effectively, mixing capital and lowercase letters. Let me show you examples of how using the Subject field can set the tone for your communications even before they are opened.

Examples of CAPS in the Subject: Field

Here are a few examples demonstrating how you can use caps effectively—and then not so much.

Subject: FOLLOW UP: Previous Email Subject

The above works to draw a little attention to the reason for the email while leaving the established Subject in place.

Here’s another that works to provide tone and insight:

Subject: REMINDER: Tomorrow’s Meeting

Now, one could assume you were raising your voice and annoyed if:

Subject: WHERE’S MY ANSWER?

Or how about this one?

Subject: WTF! DID YOU GET MY EMAIL????!!!!!

The above is from an actual email that I received this week. Wow, huh?

Little Details Make a Huge Difference

These little “enuances” make a world of difference in how the Subject and therefore you, are perceived. It’s all in the words you choose and how you use them that will determine whether you are viewed as shouting, being rude, or offering the epitome of professional communication.

Perception is delicate and subjective, and it can make or break you in business. When it comes to your email, however, you can control precisely how you format and structure the words you use.

Only you can ensure you are perceived favorably and as the professional you are.