Email Sign-Offs: Finding the Perfect Closing for Every Message

01 Aug 2024

We’ve all been there, staring at a finished email, finger hovering over the send button. The content is polished, the message is clear, but something feels…off. It’s that blank space right before your name, the digital equivalent of an awkward silence. Finding the right email sign-off, or as our French-speaking friends say, "formule fin de courriel," can be surprisingly tricky.

Choosing the right closing for your email is about more than just politeness; it's about conveying the right tone and leaving a lasting impression on the recipient. A well-chosen email sign-off can reinforce your message, build rapport, and even subtly encourage a response.

Think about it: a "Cheers!" to your colleague probably wouldn't fly in an email to your boss. Similarly, a formal "Sincerely" might feel out of place in a casual message to a close teammate. The key is to strike the right balance between professionalism and personality.

Over time, email etiquette has evolved, and with it, the way we say goodbye in our messages. While formal sign-offs like "Sincerely" and "Regards" still hold their place, we've seen a rise in more casual and even playful closings, reflecting the changing dynamics of communication.

The problem is that with so many options, it's easy to fall into a rut, relying on the same old "Best" or "Thanks" at the end of every email. But by branching out and exploring different sign-offs, you can add a touch of personality and professionalism to your messages.

Let's dive into some strategies for crafting the perfect email ending, along with examples to inspire your future messages.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Email Sign-Offs

Here’s a handy table that breaks down the pros and cons of common sign-offs to give you a better idea of what works best in different situations:

Email Sign-Off	Advantages	Disadvantages
Sincerely, Best regards, Kind regards	Timeless, professional, conveys respect	Can feel impersonal, might not be suitable for casual emails
Warmly, Best, Cheers	Friendly, approachable, good for building rapport	Might be too casual for formal settings or clients you don't know well
Thanks, Thanks again, Appreciate it	Expresses gratitude, useful when asking for a favor	Can feel insincere if overused
Talk soon, Looking forward to hearing from you	Encourages a response, good for ending on a collaborative note	Might feel pushy in certain contexts

Ultimately, the best email sign-off is one that feels authentic to you and appropriate for the situation. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your communication style and the relationships you have with your recipients.