How to Send an Email with High Priority: A Step-by-Step Guide

Imagine this scenario: you have just sent an important email, only to find out later that your recipient never bothered to open it. Perhaps, the email went to their junk folder or was buried deep in their inbox. Whatever the reason, it is frustrating to feel unimportant and overlooked.

But what if there was a way to make sure that your email stands out in a crowded inbox? What if you could give your message the importance it deserves and capture your recipient’s attention in an instant? It’s time to learn how to send an email with high priority.

Sending an email with high priority is not just about changing the font color or adding exclamation points. It is about utilizing the full potential of your email client to make sure that your message is noticed and addressed in a timely manner. In this article, we will walk you through step-by-step on how to send an email with high priority and make sure that your message is given the attention it deserves.

We will also provide you with real-life examples of high-priority emails and show you how to edit them to suit your needs. So buckle up and let’s dive into the world of high-priority emails.

The Art of Crafting Emails with High Priority

Emails have become the backbone of communication in the business world. Unfortunately, the flood of emails we receive on a daily basis makes it challenging to get our emails noticed, let alone receive a timely response. That’s why it is essential to learn how to send an email with high priority to make sure your messages get the attention they deserve. In this article, we will explore the best structure to craft high-priority emails that get results.

1. Choose a Clear and Compelling Subject Line

The first step in sending effective emails is the subject line. The subject line should be concise, clear, and compelling to catch the reader’s attention. Avoid vague subjects that say nothing about the content of the email. For instance, instead of writing “Meeting,” use “Confirming tomorrow’s meeting agenda” as the subject line. It helps the receiver understand the purpose of the email at a glance.

2. Write a Powerful Introduction

The introduction is another critical section of the email that will affect how it’s received. In the opening paragraph, make sure to introduce yourself if necessary, why you are reaching out, and how the recipient can benefit from your email. Be concise and to the point and avoid lengthy and irrelevant information. Focus only on the essential details that add value to the reader.

3. Get to the Point Quickly

Keep it simple and digestible by presenting your request or question in the opening lines. You want your recipients to anticipate the body rather than wondering what the email is about. For instance, suppose you want to request a meeting. Instead of beating around the bush, you can directly ask the recipient if they are available at a specific date and time. This approach gives them an immediate context of what you want to discuss during the meeting.

4. Use Bold and Highlighted Text to Emphasize Key Points

Highlighting critical points in your email can help ensure that they don’t go unnoticed. Use bolding or underlining to draw attention to the most important details. This practice ensures the recipient knows precisely what you need from them, making it easier for them to respond promptly. However, take care not to overdo it, as too much emphasis can be distracting and overwhelming.

5. Use an Appropriate Tone

Your tone of voice sets the mood of your email. You can either sound friendly and approachable or come across as bossy and demanding. Before sending an email, it’s essential to consider the appropriate tone to use depending on the reader’s relationship with you. Be professional, courteous, and respectful in your tone, avoiding unwarranted aggression or passive-aggressive language.

6. Close with a Call to Action

The last thing you want is to leave the recipient with no clear idea of what to do next. You can create a sense of urgency by including a call-to-action, such as a deadline or specific instructions to bring the issue to a close. Use a polite closing remark, such as “Best regards” or “Thank you” to be respectful and professional.

7. Mark it as High Priority

Last but not least, designate the email as high priority. This action prompts the recipient to prioritize it among the rest of the emails. However, the use of high priority tags should be reserved for emails that require a prompt response, such as an urgent request or critical information. Overusing it can diminish its effectiveness and lead to constant disregard of your emails on future occasions.

In conclusion, sending an email that receives high priority requires a strategic approach that considers the recipient, information, tone, and formatting. By following the tips outlined in this article, you will be crafting emails that get the attention they deserve.

Email Templates with High Priority

Urgent Meeting Request

Dear [Name],

I am writing to request an urgent meeting with you regarding the latest financial report. The report clearly indicates that we are experiencing a significant decline in revenue and profit margins. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this with you in detail, review possible solutions and develop a plan to rectify the situation.

Thank you for your attention and prompt response.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Expedite Product Delivery

Dear [Name],

I am writing to request that you expedite the delivery of the latest batch of products. As you know, we have a long-standing contract with one of our largest clients that is contingent on timely product delivery. The delay could impact our client’s operations and could have significant financial ramifications for our company.

Your timely attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Demand for Action

Dear [Name],

I am writing to remind you of the importance of addressing the issue we discussed during our last meeting. The delay in taking action has already had serious consequences, including financial loss and damage to our reputation. It is imperative that we act swiftly to rectify the situation and prevent it from happening again.

I appreciate your prompt and decisive action in this matter.

Thank you,

[Your Name]

Request for Additional Funding

Dear [Name],

I am writing to request additional funding for our ongoing project. As you are aware, the project has been in development for some time now, and we have encountered unforeseen costs that have strained our budget. Without additional funding, we will be unable to complete the project within the agreed-upon timeline, which will result in further delays and costs.

Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Follow-up on Sales Enquiry

Dear [Name],

I am writing to follow up on the sales enquiry we discussed during our last phone call. As a reminder, the enquiry was for a significant order and we have yet to provide the customer with a detailed proposal. It is critical that we move quickly on this opportunity as our competitors are also vying for the customer’s business.

Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Request for Action on Safety Issue

Dear [Name],

I am writing to bring to your attention a safety issue that has been identified at one of our work sites. The issue poses a risk to our employees and must be addressed immediately. I urge you to take immediate action to remedy the situation and ensure the safety of our employees.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Demand for Resolution

Dear [Name],

I am writing to demand a resolution to the outstanding payment owed to us by [Company Name]. This payment has been outstanding for an extended period of time, and despite numerous attempts to collect, we have yet to receive payment.

I expect that you will take immediate action to resolve this matter and ensure that the payment is made in full.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for Sending High Priority Emails

Sending high priority emails can be nerve-racking, as you want to make sure that the recipient receives and reads them as soon as possible. Here are some related tips to ensure that your email stands out and gets read:

  • Include a meaningful subject line: Your subject line should accurately reflect the content of the email and pique the recipient’s interest. Including phrases like “urgent,” “important,” or “action required” can also indicate the level of priority.
  • Keep it brief and to the point: High priority emails should be short and concise, as the recipient may not have much time to read the entire message. Get straight to the point and highlight the key information in the first few sentences.
  • Use clear and direct language: Use clear and direct language to convey the urgency of the message. Avoid ambiguous or misleading language, as it may cause confusion or delay.
  • Limit the number of recipients: Be selective about who receives the high priority email, as adding too many recipients can dilute the urgency and importance of the message. Only include those individuals who need to take immediate action.
  • Follow up with a phone call: If you don’t get a response to a high priority email within a reasonable timeframe, consider following up with a phone call. This can help ensure that the message was received and that action is being taken.

In conclusion, when sending high priority emails, it is essential to be clear, direct, and concise. Keep the number of recipients limited, and use a meaningful subject line to draw attention to the message’s urgency. By following these tips, you can increase the chances of your high priority emails being read and acted upon promptly.

FAQs: How to Send an Email with High Priority


What does sending an email with high priority mean?

When you send an email with high priority, you are indicating to the recipient that your message is urgent and requires their immediate attention.

How do I mark an email as high priority?

Most email platforms have an option to mark an email as high priority. In Gmail, for example, you can click on the exclamation point icon (!) in the toolbar while composing your email to mark it as high priority.

Will marking an email as high priority guarantee a faster response?

No, marking an email as high priority does not guarantee a faster response. It simply indicates to the recipient that the message is of high importance. It is the recipient’s discretion to respond as soon as possible.

Is it appropriate to mark every email as high priority?

No, it is not appropriate to mark every email as high priority. Reserve this designation for messages that are truly urgent and require immediate attention.

What are some examples of email messages that should be marked as high priority?

Examples of email messages that should be marked as high priority include emergency situations, time-sensitive deadlines, urgent business communications, and critical project updates.

Can I request a read receipt for a high-priority email?

Yes, you can request a read receipt for an email, even if it is marked as high priority. However, keep in mind that some email platforms do not support read receipts, and some recipients may choose to disable this feature.

What if I accidentally mark an email as high priority?

If you accidentally mark an email as high priority, you can always go back and change it. Simply open the email and remove the high priority designation.

Don’t Leave Your Emails Unattended!

Well folks, that’s all for now! We hope that you’ve found our tips helpful and that you’re now fully equipped to send those high priority emails with ease. Remember, just because an email is marked as high priority, doesn’t mean that it’ll automatically be read instantaneously. However, with a few tweaks here and there, you can give your email the best chance of getting noticed. Thanks for reading and be sure to visit again soon!