LETTER OVERVIEW

Even in the present age of electronic communication, letters continue to be a fundamental means of business communication. Good letters not only convey information, actions, and decisions; they also define the personal style of the sender and present an image of the sender's organization.

Business letter-writing styles have changed over time. Although lengthy letters were common and generally acceptable in years past, today's writers and readers prefer letters that are concise and to the point.

Busy readers of today do not have time for rambling digressions. They want information presented clearly and quickly.

This guide's discussion concerning letters is divided into four sections:

Letter formats--block, modified block, semiblock, simplified, open style punctuation, standard style punctuation, margins

Letter elements--letterhead/return address, date line, reference line or block, special notations, inside address, attention line, salutation, subject line, text or body, headings for continuation pages, complimentary closing, signature block, reference initials, enclosure notation, courtesy copy notation, postscripts

Envelopes--address and return address, special notations

Effective letter writing--business readers' needs, organizational principles

The discussion concludes with examples of business letters displaying each of the format and punctuation styles.

In many respects, a letter is one way of carrying on a conversation between two or more parties.