Final answer:
Abbreviations are not typically used to clarify the emotional tone of messages, as they can make the sender seem unprofessional and can be misunderstood. Instead, emoticons, punctuation, and font styles are used to convey tone in written communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Senders try to clarify the emotional tone of their messages by using a variety of cues, but one of the listed options is not typically used for this purpose. The correct answer is d) Abbreviations. Unlike emoticons, punctuation, and font styles, which can help convey emotions or emphasis, abbreviations can often obscure the message's tone. They may come across as informal or too casual, potentially making the sender appear unprofessional or lazy, and not all readers may understand them. When communicating professionally, it is recommended to use correct spelling, proper grammar, and avoid the use of text language or ALL CAPS, which can be interpreted as yelling. Instead, use bullets and numbering for clarity, and bold or italics to emphasize key words. Always proofread your message and consider the tone and content carefully.