Have you ever received a letter or an e-mail message without a signature? Did it bother you that something was missing? Perhaps. Some of us like to use e-mail to dash off quick notes to others and may feel that a signature isn't necessary. The recipient can usually tell who the e-mail is from.

But as we rely more and more on e-mail to conduct business and personal matters, it becomes important to know something about the people we correspond with. E-mail signatures can play a role in providing contact information, and in setting the tone of messages. They can even be an effective marketing tool.

A signature is a customary, fundamental aspect of communication that we have come to expect and value. A signature adds a personal touch and an element of sincerity. And, like us, each signature is unique.

To learn more about this course, read the overview in the center of this page or the table of contents in the left column. Then click Next to start the first lesson.

You should be familiar with inserting graphics and formatting text and tables in Microsoft Word. To learn more about using graphics in Word, see this course: Add graphics and keep them where you want them.