E-mailing Politely: How do I ask for something NICELY?

Emailing can be a bit tricky for ESL learners.  Here are a few tips to get you started divided by section of the email.

• Greetings

• Dear___________, (formal, most common)
• Hello there __________, (informal, personal)
• Hi/Hey ____________, (very informal, personal)
• To Whom it May Concern, (formal, unknown recipient, used to make a complaint...)
• Dear Sir or Madam, (formal, unknown recipient, kinder, used for job applications) 

• Good openers

• I hope this email finds you well. (formal)
• I hope all is well. (formal)
• I hope all is good. (informal)
• Thank you for your email. (formal)
• It's great to hear from you. (informal)
• I just wanted to touch base regarding...(formal)
• I wanted to get in touch with you about...(formal)

• Making Requests (the verb is underlined)

• I would appreciate it if you could send (simple verb) me some samples from your office.
• It would be greatly appreciated if you could rush the request for payment because my client is waiting. 
• Would you mind moving (gerund) the deadline back?
• Do you think you could possibly find an earlier date?
• Could you check on that for me at your earliest convenience?

• Closing

• Best regards, (formal...and my favorite.)
• Best, (informal)
• Sincerely, (most formal)
• Your friend, (informal)
• Your colleague, (formal)

Well, readers, that should help you get crafting your polite emails.  That's it for today!