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Description

Professional Emails: Winning Attention from the Subject Line, Structuring the Message and Prompting Action

One day to write messages that are read to the end and that bring back the reply you were expecting

  • 1 day — 7 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Foundation
  • Up to 6 participants

A message goes out with a vague subject line, three separate requests bundled into one paragraph and the key point buried at the bottom. The recipient skims it, files it and does not reply. A follow-up becomes necessary, sometimes twice, and that follow-up is read as pressure when the real problem was an unreadable first message.

This 7-hour day focuses on professional writing by email: wording the subject line, bringing the request forward into the opening lines, structuring the body of the message, adjusting tone to the recipient, handling sensitive messages and drafting follow-ups. Participants rewrite their own messages and compare the before and after versions as a group.

Learning objectives

  • Write a subject line that states the request and the expected deadline
  • Place the request and the deadline within the first three lines of the message
  • Structure a message that contains several distinct requests
  • Adjust tone and level of formality to the recipient
  • Write a sensitive message without ambiguous wording
  • Draft a follow-up that secures a reply without creating tension

What makes this programme different

Participants rewrite their own messages and compare the two versions
An exercise in halving message length with no loss of information
Dedicated work on sensitive messages: refusals, deadline reminders and written disagreement

Programme

1Getting Read

Subject line, opening line and recipients

  • Wording a subject line that states the request and the deadline
  • Conventions for the recipient and copy fields
  • Bringing the request forward into the opening lines
  • Choosing between email, instant message and a call

2Structuring the Message

Outline, length and readability

  • Organising a message that contains several requests
  • Using short paragraphs and lists
  • Removing set phrases and non-essential information
  • Reducing length without losing information

3Handling Difficult Messages

Tone, refusals, disagreement and follow-up

  • Adjusting tone to the recipient and the context
  • Writing a refusal or a deadline reminder in writing
  • Expressing disagreement without leaving an ambiguous record
  • Building a follow-up that is effective without being coercive

Who is it for

Any professional who uses email daily, together with administrative support staff, client-facing roles and managers.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.