When you mention "where does the ps go in an email," you are likely referring to the postscript, a strategic afterthought placed after the signature block. This small element carries significant weight in digital communication, often serving as the final impression that lingers in the reader's mind. Understanding its precise placement and purpose transforms a simple message into a more persuasive correspondence.
The Anatomy of a Professional Email
Before dissecting the specific location, it is essential to understand the structure of a modern professional email. The flow typically moves from the greeting through the body, concluding with a call to action and a signature. The postscript exists outside this main narrative flow, acting as a supplementary note that reinforces a key point without disrupting the logical progression of the message.
Defining the Postscript
The term "postscript" originates from the Latin "post scriptum," meaning "written after." In the context of an email, it is a line or paragraph added after the sender's name or signature. While often abbreviated as "P.S.," it is distinct from the main body text. Its function is to add a final thought, a reminder, or an emotional hook that the main text might have missed.
Visual Placement and Formatting
Visually, the postscript appears below the typed signature and any contact information or job title lines. You insert a blank line after the signature block, then type "P.S." followed by your message. This creates a visual break that signals to the reader that this is an ancillary, yet important, addition. Treat the spacing consistently whether you are using plain text or HTML formatting to maintain a clean layout.
Strategic Purpose in Communication
Placing the "ps" at the end of an email is a deliberate rhetorical device. It allows the sender to underscore a critical benefit, address an unspoken objection, or inject a personal touch that the formal body had to omit. Because it appears last, the reader processes it as the final piece of information, making it an ideal location for a memorable quote or a specific instruction that must not be missed.
Common Applications
Marketers frequently utilize the postscript to create urgency or highlight a single offer detail that might get lost in the larger text. In internal team communications, it serves as a quick reminder of an action item that was discussed but not formally documented. Essentially, it functions as a digital sticky note attached to the conclusion of your message, ensuring the recipient leaves with the exact detail you want them to retain.
Best Practices for Implementation
To maximize the effectiveness of this element, keep the content concise and relevant. Avoid using it to introduce entirely new topics that belong in the main body. The tone should align with the rest of the email, whether that is formal, conversational, or persuasive. A well-crafted postscript acts as a cherry on top, not a distraction from the core message.
