How many exclamation marks are appropriate?

Oh the exclamation mark. How widely it is overused! Here are some recommendations to follow when it comes to using exclamation marks:

• If you’re texting or emailing a close friend or family member, you can go nuts. Use all the exclamation marks you want – as long as the message is only going to be read by people who are very close to you. 
• In professional settings, stick to one exclamation mark at a time. Avoid using more than one exclamation mark in company emails or through social media. Two, three, or more exclamation marks in a row make the whole organization look bad.
• In any setting, avoid using exclamation marks more than once per paragraph. If you use them at the end of every other sentence, it will confuse your reader. What are they supposed to focus on? What do you want the emphasis to be on? Choose wisely where you want to put your exclamation marks.

• For bloggers, the exclamation mark “rules” can vary widely, depending on the type of blog you have and the tone of your blog posts. What’s the purpose of your blog? If you are using it as a vehicle for your professional work, then it is best to avoid using more than one exclamation mark at a time. If it’s a hobby blog with casual tone, you can be a little more liberal with your exclamation marks – but do remember that anyone can find your blog. If your employer (or future employer) read its, will your exclamation mark usage change how they see you?
• When in doubt, reduce your exclamation mark use in half. A good habit for anyone to get into!