Greetings steemians. I am delighted once again to participate in this neverending contest. Special thanks to @patjewell for her dedication in composing such lovely contest. Today, I choose to write about Letters! Here we go....
LETTERS
Source
Letters were once a reliable means of communication before the advent of technological tools that evolved the communication ssector. Back in those days, when there were no phones, nor computers nor telephones. We all depended on letter writing which proved to be a very confidential and effective way of passing information. Even till this time, some public offices and sectors still make use of the art of letter writing, only in a more professional form. This still tells that letters are still an important mode of communication even till date. Let's take a look at what a letter truly is.
WHAT IS A LETTER
A letter is a written conversation between two individuals. It is more like a message often sent to the recipient by someone. This message is usually written on paper. It could be written by hand or printed. The bottom line 8s that it is used to pass or discern information. This letter is often passed through a mail or a postal service who delivers the letters to their supposed recipients or receivers.
Unlike what some people would think, the art of letter writing is infact still invoke and is mostly used in some professional setting. For instance, most job offers are often sent through letters. Acceptance forms, bank reminders or notifications and things of that sort are presently still disemminated through letter.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF LETTERS
Apart from the common types of letters popularly taught in schools and institution of learning, there are also several other types of letters based on their purpose, content and formalities. They include;
1. SOCIAL LETTERS:
These types of letters are often written in respect to a social event or gathering. They are personal letters we write to aquaintance to express either our congratulations, condolences, or empathy towards an event or situation. Examples of social letters include;
Congratulatory letters, invitation letters etc.
2. OFFICIAL LETTERS:
This type of letters are often very official in nature. The nature of this type of letter is very formal and direct. Very straight to the point. This type of letter is given in an official setting, in a work place, sectors e.t.c. this kind of letter is usually used to relay very important specific information or commands from a superior or probably head of department.
3. EMPLOYMENT LETTER:
This kind of letter is often written in regards to matters involving employment. Application letter, letter to join a department or even promotion letters are all example of employment letter. The aim of such type of letters is to acquire a job, occupy a position or move to a higher level in an individual's field or career.
4. CIRCULAR LETTER:
A circular letter is often given or shared to a large number of people to confirm or get information about something that affects all of them concerned. This kind of letter is usually very brief and short and has the common interest of the various recipients at heart. Circular letters are often given to address an issue or subject matter to a large number of people.
5. BUSINESS LETTERS
These kinds of letters are strictly formal and involves matters like supply, collection of goods, complaint of service rendered and so on. They are important messages notifying a business organisation on either the demand of a particular product or how good the market supply is going and stuffs like that.
6. INFORMAL LETTERS
I believe, we all are familiar with this type of letter. This is the type you write to your loved ones. It is the type of letter you write to your friends, family members, colleague at your work place and so on. They are personal letters and they do not need to be too formal or strict. They make use of endearing words and show some bit of emotion. They are letters you write to people that are dearest to you.
TIPS ON WRITNIG AN EFFECTIVE LETTER
Here a resome useful tips while writing a letter.
KNOW YOUR RECIPIENT
It is important to acknowledge your receiver. Whether it is to a head of department, an influential person or a close person. Knowing who gets to read the letter, be it an individual or a group of people is essential in determining how to go about the letter.
APPLY THE RIGHT TONE WHILE WRITING A LETTER
One thing many people fail to understand is that the tone of a letter goes along way in determining how the recipients reacts to your letter or message. If you are requesting help from someone in a letter, the way you address your need through your tone can make the recipeint either receiving or welcoming to your request or standoffish. The tone of a letter portrays the attitude of the writer. It is almost as the same as the manner in which you speak to someone. A harsh tone in a letter can make the recipeint put off you letter without having your request granted.
ALWAYS WRITE IN PRESENT TENSE
When writing a letter, it is advisable to use the present tense except in a situation where you are required to narrate a story that occured in the past.Other than that, writers should write in present tense. It makes it more easier to understand the message being relayed.DIVIDE YOUR LETTER INTO PARAGRAPHS OR SECTIONS AND MAKE USE OF HEADINGS
The importance of heading in a letter cannot be overemphasized. It helps organize the letter and enable the reader to easily grasp the information. Headings help outline the content of a letter. Paragraphs are also very useful while writing a letter. It helps the work look more neat and arranged, rather than looking all cramped up. When giving paragraphs, make sure one paragraphs converts a single idea or information for clarity purpose.
MAKE USE OF VERTICAL LISTING
In a letter, while trying to convey probably a list of items or requirements needed for something. It is essential to list them in a vertical format.
For instance;
These materials are required by students as they resume school
- A pen
- One dozen of book
- A chair
- Tissue paper
- A laptop
Listing helps the reader easily identify the items emphasized on.
- START YOUR BODY WITH THE MAIN MESSAGE
While writing a letter, it is essential to convey the main message instead of beating around the bush. Put the main message upfront rather than hiding it. So it doesn't make it hard for the reader.
I invite @sariana23, @yhudy and @aviral123 to participate in this contest.