Choose The Wrong Business Letter Format & You'll Likely Pay Forever
Selecting the most suitable business letter format for the particular issue that you're addressing is the most important step if you need to create a successful business letter that's going to have some impact.
A select few have that special talent that's required for writing & struggle with a business letter format, those that do have it are very fortunate indeed.
For us mere mortals, it's an ongoing wrestling match with a dictionary and thesaurus. Business writing is far less complex than writing sales letters for example where a certain type of talent is required.
Although these writing styles do not come naturally for many, you can most definitely learn them both. By adhering to a set formula for all business communication you will quickly learn how to create a masterpiece.
The Three Basic Styles Are:
- The block format - The modified block format - The indented or semi-block format
The Block Format Style.
Understandably, the majority of business people prefer the block format style, simply because it's easy to format & looks very professional. This style has everything justifies to the left.
If you're able to choose the style of a business letter format, I suggest this one is the best all round.
The Modified Block Style.
If you're in the situation where you're typing letters for others, some may want you to use this style.
Primarily it's the same as block format style, however the return address, date and the closing text commence in the middle of the page.
The Semi-Block Style.
Many of us prefer the use of use indents, this style may be due to the importance placed on using them when being taught about writing paragraphs.
Before the world was blessed with word processing programs, this old format was the standard.
It's much the same as modified block style, ie the return address, the date and closing commence in the middle of the page, only but every paragraph is indented.
This style is now very much outdated if you want my opinion and, it looks quite amateurish. Remember, if you do have a dinosaur for a manager, keep it under your hat.
My Personal Advice...
Refer to the KISS method... Keep It Simple Stupid.
If I had it all my way, the block style is by far THE best business letter format around.
There will be far less mistakes made, it's a more efficient style to use and all pieces of communication that leave the office will certainly look the part.
If you do not have the authority to select a letter format style then you'll simply have to go with the flow and bite your tongue.
Deal?
Just do as instructed & try and keep all of the business correspondence from your office looking neat & professional at all times.
When you do finally decide which business letter format is going to be the acceptable standard, save a template on your desktop.
This way, you won't have to revisit it each time someone wants a business letter typed. The issue of writing professional letters with literally evaporate!
About the Author
Through necessity, author Peter Kirkham had the need to research & implement the most cost effective marketing strategies he could find so he could save his business. These same strategies that he used to turn his business around, & many more, are now FREELY available to everyone at http://www.low-budget-marketing-methods.com
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