Can you remember the last time you wrote a letter?
How about receiving one?
If you cant answer, we dont blame you.
viaLexico
These days, learninghow to write a lettermight seem pointless
but its a valuable skill everyone should know!
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Like any skill, letter writing takes practice.
Well, the novelty factor ispreciselywhy you should write letters.
According to a Gallup poll,94% of Americans love receiving letters or cards from someone they know.
So, yes, senders can easily text.
Yet, by going the extra mile with a physical letter, theyre doing something special for the recipient.
Letters, particularly personal letters, stand out in the world of digital communications.
Furthermore, formal letter writing is an essential (albeit underappreciated) business skill.
Be it a cover letter or a resignation; a good letter can change the course of your career.
Its also a standard form of communication for most businesses.
Learning how to write a letter is more important than youd think.
Well also discuss when and why you should write a letter, plus other great tips!
First, you must choose your medium.
For example, you might draft by hand using apenorpencil.
you might also write your letter on a word processor such as Microsoft Word, then print it out.
Next, you will have to decide on a formal or informal letter.
Both types of letter writing have different rules (which well explore in-depth later.)
As briefly discussed above, some types should be written digitally, while others may be handwritten.
Deciding which is best depends on the pop in of letter.
For example, if the recipient is someone you dont know well, you should write your letter digitally.
If youre planning to write, handwritten letters are appropriate and sometimes even expected.
Some examples of personal letters include:
When it comes to letter writing, context is key.
Therefore, its essential to know the difference between formal and informal letters.
Formal Letters vs.
Informal Letters
There are two forms of letters: formal letters and informal letters.
Theyre usually strictly professional, but you may script a formal letter for serious personal correspondence.
), you should almost always write a formal letter.
On the other hand, informal letter writing is thebusiness casualof letters.
Naturally, you want it to look good, but you also shouldnt overthink it.
By definition, informal letters shouldnt be used as official documents.
They also dont follow any set formality.
However, you should format and edit your letter to be coherent and easy to read.
As you’ve got the option to see, both forms are very distinct.
To ensure that never happens, well show you how to write a letter in both formats.
A formal letter may also be the perfect first impression, perhaps even the key to your success.
The first line of every paragraph is indented by one inch.
Both are acceptable, so pick whichever you prefer.
Add your name, full address, and date on individual lines.
After which, include the recipients contact information.
Use their full name and job title if they have one (e.g.
Professor John Smith), followed by the recipients address on separate lines.
A formal salutation can be as simple as Dear Mr./Mrs./Dr.
Last Name, but you may just use their first name if youre friendly with the recipient.
If not, stick with their full name or job title and last name.
If youre unsure who the recipient is, you may instead input To Whom It May Concern.
End the salutation with a comma (e.g., Dear Sir,) before skipping to the next line.
Generally, you should write your name in full, but you may include abbreviations and your job title.
After which, end your complimentary close with a comma.
You may indicate if you are sending additional items or documents alongside your letter by adding Enclosures or Encl.
If youre sending multiple items, add, Enclosures (# of items).
Remember to proof and edit your formal letter.
This means many things can pass for an informal letter.
That being said, it doesnt hurt to follow a tried-and-true letter format.
The former isnt necessary, but it can add a nice touch.
You may place the dateline wherever youd like, but writers usually place it in the top left corner.
Salutations, on the other hand, are customary.
Most informal letters use them.
A typical example of an informal salutation is Dear, followed by the persons first name.
However, theres plenty of room to experiment!
If you need inspiration for formatting, consider emulating the block form.
This means youre free to write the body any way you wish.
Whatever you write, venture to avoid going on tangents.
Informal letters allow them, but going off-topic may make your letter difficult to read.
As long as you use appropriate paragraph breaks, the length shouldnt be an issue.
have a go at be concise yet relaxed with your words.
Step 3: shut the Letter
After your closing paragraph, insert a complimentary close.
Capitalize only the first letter and add a comma at the end.
Here are some examples:
After which, input your name.
You may use your first name, a nickname, or even your personal signature.
If you forget any text in the body, you may include a final note after signing your name.
This is called the postscript, which should be abbreviated as P.S.
If you want to add multiple postscripts, add another P for every section (e.g., P.P.S.)
If you happen to be writing by hand, cross out mistakes in your draft.
Underline areas youd like to keep, then rewrite your letter onto a new, clean sheet of paper.
If youre writing in a word processor, edit your letter into a new document.
Finally, proofread your letter before mailing it.
While this may be true, a well-written letter benefits some situations better than others.
Theyre appropriate and expected in many situations.
Managers and business leaders often exchange vital information through business letters.
They also expect their employees to be proficient in letter writing, making it a crucial skill.
Since its uncommon, writing letters is also a unique gesture.
It leaves an impression, whereas a text or email is forgettable.
You Want to Make A Difference
Letters have changed the worldliterally.
We post letters to lobby politicians and lawmakers.
For example, concerned citizens write to businesses to protest against dangerous practices or environmental hazards.
Others pen open letters to governments, communities, or organizations to promote change or some kind of action.
Whatever the cause, words are a powerful thing.
Consider writing a letter if you need your voice to be heard.
Meanwhile, for business correspondences, one eloquent letter may change the course of your life.
If its not already part of your wheelhouse, consider turning letter writing into a hobby.
After all, practice makes perfect!
Youll master both formal and informal letters, as well as improve your writing skills.
Are you new to letter writing?
Have any tips or suggestions?
If so, feel free to share by dropping a comment below!
