Despite the fact that we live in an era of short instant communication, there still exists a need for a certain degree of letter writing skill. Letters were the original text message. The difference was their weight. Given the amount of time and effort that went into a letter exchange, there was a certain expectation of effort and structure. No one ever sent a letter that just read “k”. There was an important degree of skill that went into crafting a pointed letter, and we’re here to help show you.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kusakabe_Kimbei_-_Writing_Letter_(large).jpg
1. First Impressions
When writing a letter, you need to make it count. This is one piece of conversation that can be reread and analyzed. You need a strong opener. ”Dear ____” or “To whom it may concern” are the standards. Your opening sentence is similar to a thesis in an essay. Don’t open with some generic statement or a soft ball. Get your purpose across. Address the fact that you’ve had a baby, want the job, or are leaving the band. Open their eyes quickly and with great efficiency.
2. Structure
A letter needs to be well structured. The concept of a letter is an important exchange with limited space. You need to have all of your ideas clearly organized. It’s similar to an essay, but you’re not arguing for a point. Make sure that what you’re writing is clear to the reader as well as the writer. Don’t ramble or over emphasize. That can be saved for a phone call. Send a letter to show that you care enough about communication that you want to preserve it in print.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writing_implement
3. The Long Way
Keep it short. Whatever you have to say, say less of it. Read some Hemingway and take note of how he writes his letters and prose. Letters aren’t comic books, they don’t need sound and illustration. You’re trying to communicate your concepts purely on words. This is especially important for business or academic letters. The people you’re speaking to don’t have the time or care to try to make sense of a sloppy letter. An efficient information sheet will grab them.
4. 31 Flavors
Make sure that while following the previous steps, you maintain your tone and personal flavor. A boring well written letter is still boring. Make sure to keep some sense of gravity or excitement in your letter. Make the reader appreciate that you went to the trouble of writing a letter over any other form of communication. Handwritten sealed in an envelope, and sent with a stamp. Your words need to have meaning, but you’re also selling your message to the reader.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_hieroglyphs
5. Neato
Keep your letter legible. If your handwriting resembles hieroglyphics, just use a typewriter.
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