Personal Business Letters

ComplimentaryComplaintInformative

Complimentary

Be clearBe conciseBe honest

Complaint

Be clearGive example(s)Give solutionsEnd on a positive noteBe honestChoose vocabulary carefully

Informative

Be clearBe conciseBe honestBe completeGive pertinent informationDo not become emotional regarding

information

Format

All three letters have the same basic format

Be clear in languageBe neat and professional in appearance

in the letterOpen punctuationBlock style format

Date Line

Date Line: ALWAYS spell out the month. After the date line press enter four times!

Inside Address

Title (Include proper title: Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, Dr., Rev.) first and last name!

Position (supervisor, president, etc.)Company nameStreet addressCity,state (two letter abbreviation

capitalized) one space and then the zip code! Enter two times!

Salutation

Dear Title (Mr., Ms., Dr.) and last name (reminder: open punctuation letters have no punctuation after the salutation and complimentary close!) Enter two times.

Body

Consist of three paragraphs First introduce yourself and topicSecond discuss topicThird close and thank the reader.

Provide a way to get in touch with you to discuss further options. Enter two times.

Complimentary Close

Sincerely is one option. Be careful not to make your close too casual. No punctuation after your close. Enter four times.

Signature Line

Your name typedAddressIf you are representing a business you

will include your title and company name.

Effective Letters Include….

PersonalityHonestyConcise informationAlternativesProfessional appearance