Letter writing
Steps of writing an informal letter.
1. Write the date and a salutation.
2. Begin the letter with some pleasantries.
3. Share news and personal details.
4. Discuss topics that are relevant to your friend.
5. Write a final paragraph sending your friend best wishes.
6. Finish off with a closing, then sign your name.
2. Begin the letter with some pleasantries.
3. Share news and personal details.
4. Discuss topics that are relevant to your friend.
5. Write a final paragraph sending your friend best wishes.
6. Finish off with a closing, then sign your name.
Beginning the Letter
1 - Date the letter. If you're taking
the trouble to write a letter by hand, it's nice to add a date on the top left
corner of the paper. Many people save letters for years to come, and they like
to be able to see what day and year it was written to reminisce about earlier times.
Write out the date - for example, "May 7, 2013" - or abbreviate it
using only numbers indicating the month, day and year.
2 - Write a
salutation. The
beginning of a letter, whether it's handwritten or in the form of an email, is
called a salutation. That's where you address the person to whom you're writing
by name - for example, "Dear Emily" or "Hello, Skylar."
Think about the nature of your relationship with the letter recipient, as well
as your own preferences and style, and choose your greeting accordingly.
·
If you tend to like to write in a slightly formal style, using
"Dear" in your salutation is a nice choice. It sounds typical, but
think about it: calling someone "dear" is actually very sweet, and
indicates that you care about him or her. However, you don't have to read into
it; "dear" is as appropriate for a letter to your best friend as it
is for a letter to an acquaintance you just met.
·
For a letter that is more casual in tone, consider beginning it with
"Hi, [name]" or "Hello, [name]." This greeting is
appropriate for a friend or relative, but don't begin a business letter this
way; it's a bit too casual.
·
Write a more personal greeting for someone with whom you are intimate,
or want to be. For example, "Dearest [name]," "My [name]"
or "Sweet [name]."
·
Be sure to end your greeting with a comma. It is also formally correct
to begin the body of the letter on the next line.
The body
1- Begin with some
pleasantries. The
first paragraph of a friendly letter is usually warm and lighthearted. It's a
way to set the tone of the letter, letting the recipient know that what's to
follow will be more friendly than businesslike or serious. Use the first few
lines to say an extended hello, tell a joke, or reference the season.
·
"How are you doing?" or "How have you been?" are common
ways to start a letter. Asking a question helps make the letter feel like part
of a longer conversation. If you'd like a reply to your letter, feel free to
pepper it with questions throughout.
·
You can use the first paragraph to inquire more deeply about the
recipient's life. For example, "I hope little Julie has been enjoying
kindergarten. I can't believe she's gotten so big!"
·
Referencing the time of year is another common letter opening. Think of
it as the equivalent to making small talk before you launch into a deeper
conversation. For example, "I hope you've been having a wonderful fall.
The trees in my neighborhood are more brilliant than they've ever been before.
I think we're in for a cold winter, though."
2- Share news and
personal details. Now it's time to get to the meat of the
letter, your purpose for writing it. Why are you opening this correspondence?
Do you want to get back in touch with a long lost friend, express to someone
that you are missing them, or thank them for helping you out in some way? Be
forthright, open, and articulate to communicate your message effectively.
·
Write about what's happening in your life. No matter what it says, your
letter will probably be appreciated, but the recipient will feel much closer to
you (and therefore the letter will be more effective) if it's revealing. Tell
what events have occurred, what emotions you've felt, and what plans you have
for the future.
·
Don't create an airbrushed picture of your life; that defeats the
purpose of a friendly letter. Avoid a holiday newsletter-style update; your
friend will start skimming to the bottom if you just list everything you've
accomplished since your last letter. You don't have to go too deep into your
troubles, but try to portray your life realistically.
3- Reference topics
that are relevant to your friend. What was your friend up to last time you
talked? Was she on the verge of breaking up with her boyfriend? Was he in the
middle of a difficult season on the soccer team? Follow up by making references
and asking questions to show you're interested in your friend's life.
·
You can also discuss topics of mutual interest. Write your thoughts on
art, politics, current events, or any other subject that you'd discuss with
your friend in person.
·
Consider suggesting movies you've seen that you think your friend would
like, or books you've read that you want to recommend. Sharing good information
is always welcome in letters.
Closing the Letter
1- Wrap
it up. Write a final
paragraph sending your friend or loved one best wishes. The last paragraph is
usually lighter in tone than the body, but it should match the general feel of
the entire letter. Try to end the letter on a note that will leave your friend with positive
feelings.
·
Reiterate the purpose of the letter. For example, if you invited
your friend to come to a party, write, "I hope you can come!" If you
simply wanted to wish your friend a happy season, write, "Have a wonderful
Thanksgiving!" or something to that effect.
·
Encourage your friend to write back. If you'd like a response,
write, "Hope to hear from you soon," or, "Please write
back!"
2- Write a closing. The closing
you choose should be in keeping with the feel of your letter, whether it is
traditional or more casual in tone. Like the salutation, it should be
determined by your relationship with the recipient. Follow the closing by
signing your name.
·
If you want to write a formal closing, consider "Sincerely,"
"Warmly," or "Best wishes."
·
If your letter is more casual in tone, try "Yours," "Take
care," or "Cheers."
·
For a more intimate closing, choose "Love," "Much
love," or "Thinking of you."