Utility, Curiosity and Specificity

In the October 27, 2014 post I discussed Return On Investment strategies for learners.  Writing a good subject line of an email is an important ROI strategy for not only learners, but also for teachers. Every email you write is both a learning and teaching experience. Two important components are evident in all emails. The most important component is who sent the email. The second most important component is the subject line.

Subject lines can be one of three types—Utility, Curiosity, or Specificity, according to Daniel Pink’s book To Sell is Human. 

A utility subject gives the practical side of the email information. It might be something like, “Here is how to read with more purpose” or “Learn to correctly cite sources.”

A curiosity subject line piques the inquisitiveness of the reader and might be something like, “Simple, specific, small”  or “Critical thinking and vacuum cleaners.” 

Specificity is just what it says and often includes a number such as “7 steps to a debt-free life” or “3 Methods to attain short goals.”

Subject lines have ROI power. Look at the last several emails in your sent box. Do the subject lines invite the recipient to actually read the email?  If we take just a few minutes to make our subject lines enticing, our messages will have more impact.