How to Write a Formal Business Letter

Based on: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDsQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmstsai.files.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fbusiness-letter-ppt.ppt&ei=5Kt6T8PLN4jS8QOpvZXCCA&usg=AFQjCNFEve5YYeyuBwpZNVAxT2zqsarOtQ&sig2=Gimz8BQZAomeRRnAx7zqWw

.While you are going through the slideshow, answer the questions.

Scenario: The bPhone nano just came out, and of course, as one who keeps up with technology, you were the first in line to buy it (because who wants to pay and wait for shipping?).

(will arrive 2013)

Problem: There are major glitches with your new bphone nano. Your awesome touch screen freezes every five seconds, the internet connection isn’t compatible with your wireless network at Ruppin…and your battery life is non-existent.

Deal with the problem in a businesslike manner:

Write a FORMAL BUSINESS LETTER.

When you write a formal business letter to a business or an organization, keep the tone formal.

Write a formal business letter to a business or an organization. Keep the tone formal.

How do we create a FORMAL tone?

What is TONE?the overall attitude a writer projects toward the reader and the topic

Sentence structure, formality and specificity of vocabulary, and neatness all contribute to a letter's tone.

Compare the following conversations:

Your best friend, wants to know all about your date with Tom last night.

Sara: Nu? How was it!!!

Me: Okay, like, oh my goodness, he showed up with a dozen roses and took me to this awesome restaurant, and we totally hung out at the pier.

Sara: Shut up!!

Me: Serious!

Your grandmother somehow found out about Tom and wants to know all about your date:

Grandma: How was your date last night, dear?

Me: It was delightful, Grandma. Tom was a perfect gentleman.

Grandpa: Of course he would be – only the best for my granddaughter.

Me: Tom took me to Cheesecake Factory and then we went for a walk on the pier.

Grandma: Well, isn’t that sweet!

There are two questions.

5. Which conversation used formal language?

a. b.

6. Which conversation used informal language?

a. b.

Why are you writing the letter?

• To make an inquiry• To reply to a letter• To order something• To acknowledge receipt of

something• To sell or advertise something• To give instruction• To make a claim • To make a complaint• To apply for a job

7. The list here refers to the ___ of the letter.Complete the sentence with one word.

Business Letter in Block StyleNotice that you don’t indent at all in a block style business letter.7. A formal business letter has __ main parts. Complete the sentence with one word.

1. Margins: the space around your letter.

2. You need your own or your business address.

This part goes in the “heading” section.

Underneath inside address, put the date.

3. Put the recipient’s name, job title and address in the “inside address” section.

Double space.

4. Salutation/Greeting

Dear Ms. Smith

Use Sir and Madam when name is unknown.

Double space.

5. Body: State your purpose for writing this letter in the “opening.” Add information in the “middle”.

Be formal and polite.

In the “middle,” you may have more than one paragraph. If you do, between each paragraph, be sure to double space.

6. Closing: Yours sincerely,3-4 spaces after the closing

Then your name and job title. In between the closing and your name, sign your name.