Communication today is changing as fast as the newest gadget hits stores. E-mail, cell phones, and instant messages have made short, choppy messages a daily norm. This is fine for a quick clarification, a fast question, or a business reminder, but it lacks the personal feeling of really keeping in touch, even when you communicate with a person several times a day.Top Five Reasons To Write Letters.
1. Many people consider certain letters, such as thank you notes and birth announcements, to be a cultural necessity. Acknowledging a gift or event strengthens family connections. Failing to write such a note may well offend family members, even unintentionally.
2. Letters last longer than phone calls or e-mails. A letter may be saved in a scrapbook, reread again and again, and preserved to document a relationship or special occasion. By sending a letter, you’re sending far more than a few words on a page.
3. A letter can be a clear record of important information, such as a party’s date, time, and location. By taking the time to write this information down rather than relay it through a phone call, there is no miscommunication about the details, and no chance that an e-mail may be accidentally deleted.
4. Writing letters gives you the time to carefully choose your words, whether you’re angry, upset, or joyful. It is emotionally safer because you do not run the risk of talking to the recipient at the wrong time and feeling rejected, hurt, or ignored.
5. When you write a letter, you are telling the recipient that you took time from your busy schedule to think of them, to include them in your life in a more substantive way than hitting send or redial. Everyone receives mail, but rarely are bills and flyers viewed with the smile and warmth that a friendly letter will be.
A good letter is has many qualities. It is unique to both the sender and recipient: it couldn’t be photocopied and sent to different people. It is personal, sharing intimate moments and emotions between the correspondents. It asks questions, genuinely interested in the lives of both people, not just a memo about one person’s experiences. Simply put, today’s letter is not a school report – it is a chance to connect with someone close to you.
Formatting A Personal Letter
Choose easy-to-read stationary, preferably with a personal touch. Notebook paper will do the job, but by using a special paper or note card, you are indicating that this is a special letter, something between friends. Be sure there is enough room to write without being cramped, but at the same time not leaving too much room left over. A lot of white space makes a letter look hasty and unfinished, as if you didn’t really want to write. Themed stationary is always popular, whether it’s for a holiday, season, or simply a favorite color. This adds another personal touch and makes a letter even more enjoyable.
A handwritten letter is generally preferable to a typed one. Depending on the circumstances, however, typing may be acceptable. For example, if your handwriting is barely legible on a good day and your aunt’s eyesight isn’t what it used to be, typing may be easier for you both.
A letter does not have to include just a few sheets of paper. To personalize a letter even more, consider enclosing pictures, confetti, pressed flowers or leaves, or even a coupon or newspaper clipping you think might be appreciated. These little extras really demonstrate that you are thinking of the recipient.
Another way to personalize a letter is to use a sticker as the envelope’s seal.
First Words – Beginning Your Letter
The hardest part of letter writing is getting those first crucial words onto the page. An easy strategy for planning a letter is to write a brief outline, even just a list of key topics that you want to include. When you start writing you may get wrapped up in describing one thing, and forget others that you’d wanted to mention. By jotting down a few key words as reminders, you’ll be able to write a coherent and interesting letter.
When writing to family, there is no need to include your address at the top of the paper, with two exceptions. First, if you haven’t written to this person before or it has been a long time, you can include your address for their reference. Second, if you’ve recently moved and want to be sure they have the correct address, by all means provide it. Never assume that the return address will be sufficient; many people will not check the return address after seeing the sender’s name, and it may have become illegible during delivery.
The Body Of The Letter
Most schools teach that essays need three paragraphs to present arguments, evidence, or reasoning. While there is no formal standard for letters, the body of your letter should do three main things.
First, respond to the previous letter.
Next, include any news in your life, even if it seems insignificant.
Finally, ask questions of your own.
Last Words – Wrapping Up A Letter
When you’ve finished a letter, the hardest part may be saying good-bye. But why say good-bye? Letters can always be continued. Use an informal closing such as “Always” or “’Till Later” or even “XOXOXO” to convey your personality. Avoid using “Sincerely” or “Sincerely Yours” as these closings are most commonly found in formal, business correspondence.
Special Types of Letters
Thank You Notes: Always mention the specific gift, as well as how you intend to use it. Does it match your décor? Is it the right size? What purpose does it serve? Mentioning these things will let the gift-giver know how much you appreciate their thoughtfulness, and they will appreciate such a lovely thank you note.
Invitations and Announcements: When dated information is included, try to use bullet points to make it stand out so there is no misunderstanding about dates, times, and places. If an RSVP is required, it is courteous to allow recipients to respond in several ways: via e-mail, telephone, and so forth.
Get Well Cards: Take care not to minimize an illness or injury, and do not presume to give unsolicited advice. Simply wish the person well, and let them you know that you are thinking of them and if possible, that you’d like to help in any way you can.
Congratulations: Always be specific in acknowledging what deserves congratulations. Hard work, sacrifices, and a lot of struggle may be involved and the recipient will appreciate that you recognize their achievements.
Condolences: Write such a note for those living, not those who have passed away. Including a positive memory of the deceased lets the person know that you understand their loss and will miss the deceased as well.
Birthdays, Anniversaries and Holidays: Be sure to mail these notes early, especially around the December holiday season to insure that they arrive on time. If you are including a newsletter with holiday cards, be sure to keep it brief and don’t dwell on negative events. Furthermore, let adult children and other relatives speak for themselves: presumably everyone will be mailing out their own holiday cards.
Letter writing is a lost art, but it can be recovered with a little time and a lot of your own personality. For the cost of a few stamps and some stationary you can be more connected to your family than all the cell phones, pagers, and e-mail put together. You may discover things about your family that you never knew, and find that it’s all those little secrets, lovingly shared through the written word, that bring families closer with each delivery.
source: http://www.essortment.com/lifestyle/lostartletter_sdfp.htm
