Making small talk in emails
While small talk is necessary at the beginning of an email, so as not to appear rude, especially in some cultures (like the British, Latin, American…), it is best to keep it to a minimum in a business email. Here are some phrases you can use.
Formal
- How are you?
- I hope you’re well.
- It was great to meet you at last night’s networking event.
- It was a pleasure to speak with you during the visit of your plant.
Informal
- How’s it going? Not too busy I hope.
- I hope you had a pleasant trip back.
- I hope the weather is better in Delhi than it is here.
- It’s pouring with rain here. What’s the weather like with you?
- I hope you had a good weekend.
- I hope your meeting yesterday went well.
- I’m sorry to hear that you haven’t been well and hope you are feeling better now.
- I’m in the office early this morning as I want to watch the football this evening.
Getting Back to Business After Small Talk
- As we discussed …
- As you requested…
- I am writing about …..
- Anyway ……..(informal)