| Even in the face of advancement of mobile | | | | too casual. Generally, business letters should |
| communication and SMS technology, writing | | | | acquire a more formal tone. Personal letters to |
| letters continue to be an important and effective | | | | friends are more informal. Use respectful words |
| means of communication. Especially in formal | | | | typical in formal letters. |
| discussions and agreements, they are often | | | | Keep your sentences simple and sincere as |
| finalized in letters. | | | | possible. The reader will always sense whether |
| Writing letters date back from the olden days. It | | | | you are genuine or just making stories. Steer |
| is way of communicating via a pen and some kind | | | | clear from terminologies not familiar to your |
| of paper. The notes passed in class between | | | | addressee. In fact, as a general rule, avoid using |
| friends are considered letters. But the formal | | | | highfaluting words. Use common words as much |
| letters are what we will bring to focus in this | | | | as possible. For example, if you mean something |
| discussion. | | | | big, avoid using the word "colossal" when you |
| It is very important to learn how to write letters | | | | simply mean huge or large. |
| clearly and effectively. Otherwise, you fail to get | | | | A well written letter does not go in circles. It |
| the right message across. The good thing with | | | | drives to the conclusion in a clear manner. It |
| writing letters, in contrast to verbal | | | | maintains a precise yet complete message. It |
| communication, is that you have a moment to | | | | does not beat around the bush because that only |
| pause and think about what you want to say, the | | | | makes the reader more confused. |
| order of the things you want to say, and at the | | | | A good letter has the gist of the message in the |
| same time be able to choose the right words to | | | | first paragraph. It expands into details as the |
| deliver a clear message. | | | | letter progresses. Succeeding paragraphs all |
| In writing a letter, determine your purpose. It will | | | | support the main idea. |
| make it easier to construct your sentences. | | | | The final paragraph usually summarizes the |
| Organize your thoughts beforehand. If possible, | | | | message and extends regards to the recipient. In |
| you can draft an outline first and write a trial | | | | this part, you usually express gratitude for taking |
| letter. Read it over and over and edit along the | | | | the time out to read what you have written. This |
| way as necessary. | | | | is also the part wherein appreciation is expressed. |
| Be clear and make sure your data is complete. | | | | There are several formats you can follow. But |
| Provide names, dates, venues, time, contact | | | | typically, in every letter, there are five parts. First |
| numbers, addresses and other specific details as | | | | is the date and time. Second is the address of the |
| necessary and appropriately. If necessary, state | | | | sender (your address). Third is the salutation |
| the main reason for writing that letter, and what | | | | (often starts with "Dear"). Fourth is the body of |
| you want to achieve from bringing that message. | | | | the letter. This is your main message and the |
| Get the appropriate tone. It is always critical to | | | | largest part of the letter. And fifth is the closing |
| reach a correct tone. Avoid being too formal or | | | | or your signature. |