Written communication norms vary by culture, and US companies have their own. Getting email and Slack etiquette right helps you fit in. Here's what to know.
Email: warm, clear, and reasonably quick
US business email tends to be friendly but direct — a warm opener, a clear point, and a specific ask. Responses within a day are typical for most things. Overly formal email can read as stiff.
Slack/Teams: casual but professional
Chat tools are more casual — shorter messages, some emoji, quick replies. But casual isn't careless: still be clear and respectful. Match the tone of your team and channel.
Know what goes where
Frequently asked questions
What are US email norms?
Warm but direct — a friendly opener, clear point, specific ask, and replies usually within a day.
How casual is Slack in US companies?
Casual but still clear and professional — match your team's tone.
What goes in email vs Slack?
Quick things in chat; important, detailed, or record-worthy things in email.
How can I learn these norms?
Book a free 30-minute class to work on it 1-on-1 with Digby R. Kerr.
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