Compose and Send

Formatting Email

Learn to use headings, lists and emphasis sparingly and improve readability in this beginner-friendly Gmail lesson.

Learning outcomes

  • Explain how to use headings, lists and emphasis sparingly.
  • Complete the guided activity safely.
  • Check that you can improve readability.

Before you begin

Use the correct account. Practise with fictional content and never share passwords, recovery codes or confidential information.

Open official Google guidance ↗

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Open Gmail and confirm that the profile picture and email address show the intended Google Account.
  2. Format a short update for scanning using fictional or non-sensitive practice information.
  3. Pause before any send, delete, sharing, security or account change; check recipients, permissions and likely consequences.
  4. Review the result and confirm that you can improve readability.
  5. Record one useful habit and safely reverse or remove any temporary practice item.
Ian's practical tip: Email can affect real people immediately. Check the account, recipients, subject, attachments, tone and privacy before you send or share.

Practical activity

Format a short update for scanning. Your expected result is to improve readability.

Completion checklist