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    Shared Email Templates

    Start Outlook emails with a random opening line

    Template-based emails don’t have to start the same way every time. Changing the opening line is an easy way to make them feel less repetitive, and Shared Email Templates can do it for you automatically. Just add a list of email openers to your template, and the add-in will choose one at random. Want to see how it works? Watch the short video or follow the two steps below.

    Automatically vary opening lines in your Outlook email messages Watch on YouTube
    1. Make a list of opening lines.

      In your template, click where the email introduction should go. On the template editor toolbar, click the Insert macro button and select Insert random phrase. Type your phrases - one per line. When you’re done, click OK.

    2. Save the changes.

      The random phrase placeholder is now in your template. Click Save.

    When you use this template to compose an email, the add-in will pick one of your introductory lines at random and insert it into the message body.

    Choose the right tone for each Outlook message #

    Use these tips to make your conversation starters fit both the message and the recipient:

    • Create separate lists for different audiences or occasions. Use business email opening lines for clients and partners, warm and friendly opening lines for family, and lighthearted or funny opening lines for friends.

    • Add a personal touch when needed. Create personalized email opening lines by using a macro that automatically inserts the recipient’s name. For example, instead of “I hope your week is off to a great start,” your message can begin with “Matt, I hope your week is off to a great start.” See How to automatically address recipients by name.

    See also #