Using Exclamation Points
PC's, smartphones, and tablets enable users to add images like emojis and emoticons to their messaging. Users started putting these images into personal messaging during the 1980's and usage soon spread to business writing. Despite the popularity of emojis and emoticons, exclamation points remain an important element in writing. Exclamation points can express emphasis, emotion, and excitement. They are less distracting than images. Below is a checklist of things to consider when deciding whether to use exclamation points in emails, papers, pleadings, posts, and texts. For further study, read the articles and books that follow the checklist.
Checklist
Acceptability - exclamation points are more universally acceptable than emoticons and emojis, but usually not appropriate for pleadings.
Audience - consider demographics (age, profession, etc.) when deciding whether to use emojis, emoticons, or exclamation points.
Frequency - consider using powerful words to avoid the need for emojis, emoticons, and exclamation points.
Judgment - use judgment to avoid confusing or disturbing the reader.
Books
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