To help you avoid e-mail errors:

1. Give it your undivided attention. Avoid multitasking when responding to important or sensitive messages. If you cannot respond right away, let the person know when they can expect to hear back. Then, compose the e-mail when you are free of distractions.

2. Save the distribution list for last. When writing a confidential or sensitive message, wait until it is complete before carefully selecting the recipients. This will help you avoid sending out an incomplete thought or selecting the wrong individuals.

3. Take care with those you copy. Think twice before hitting "reply all," and only copy people who need to be in on the conversation.

4. Review it on a big screen. E-mailing using handheld devices with small screens and keyboards may increase the likelihood of typos and other mistakes. When sending an important e-mail, it can be helpful to view it on a full-size computer screen or use spell-check before transmitting.

5. Check attachments. Insert any documents -- and confirm that they are the right ones -- as soon as you refer to them in the memo.

6. Do not hit "send" when you are seething. E-mailing when you are angry is never a good idea. Give yourself time to cool down before responding. It may be better to speak in person.

7. Keep it professional. Bear in mind that electronic messages can easily be forwarded and employee e-mails may be monitored. Avoid saying anything unkind or unprofessional.