Decision needed by Thursday: Q3 launch date
목요일까지 결정 필요: 3분기 출시일
A subject line names the need and the deadline. Hello and Please check do not.
02 The note they forward · 7 min
The subject line that gets opened
Most internal mail is read on a phone, in a list. If the subject is Hello or Please check, it looks like every other mail that can wait until Friday.
Objective
Write a subject line that names the decision and the deadline.
On the exam
The academic discussion is not an email, but the first sentence does the subject line’s job. If a rater cannot see your position by sentence two, the rest is a lower score.
Don't translate it like this
Don't say
Please check
Say
Decision needed by Thursday: Q3 launch date
확인 부탁드립니다 became Please check, with no object. Check what, and by when?
Phrases
Read them aloud. Listen if you want a model. Nothing is recorded.
I'm writing to ask for a decision on the launch date.
출시일에 대한 결정을 부탁드리려고 씁니다.
One purpose in the first line. Skip “How are you?” in internal mail.
I've attached the one-page brief.
한 장짜리 브리프를 첨부했습니다.
Name the file. Please refer to the attachment does not.
If I don't hear back by noon Friday, I'll go with option B.
금요일 정오까지 회신이 없으면 B안으로 가겠습니다.
A silence rule stops a stalled project. Use it only when you have the authority.
In the room
The mail before the meeting
You need a decision before Thursday. You are not writing a letter. You are writing a subject line and four lines.
Subject
Decision needed by Thursday: Q3 launch date
You
I'm writing to ask for a decision on the launch date. The choice is March 28 or April 18.
You
I've attached the one-page brief. If I don't hear back by noon Friday, I'll go with April 18.
What would you say?
All three have to be right to close the lesson.
Answer every question, then check.