Effective communication is so important between the advisor and student. It is often difficult to build rapport when you do not have an opportunity to meet in person much or at all. Wording of an email is important. One must take in consideration how the reader will perceive what is written when received. There are ways you can subtly build rapport through written communication. Emoticons, key phrases, use of student's name etc. You want to make sure you acknowlege and understand what a student is asking or what their goal is of the conversation. Keep conversations on the sunny side and be mindful of your word choice.
