Charm School with Miss Roxy- Written Communication

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The practice of actually putting pen to paper is a dying art, but it’s still important to know the right way to do it. When writing a letter or note on paper it is important to be neat, keep your lines straight, and your margins even. If you can not do this on your own, most stationary kits come with a lined guide. You can also make a guide to place under your paper, so that when you are are done it gives the illusion that you penned a perfect letter.

Choice of paper:

Paper should never be ruled,  highly scented (a light signature scent is fine), or odd in shape. Some people use smaller paper for notes, or correspondence cards, cut to the size of the envelopes. Others use the same size for all correspondence and leave a wider margin in writing notes. Choosing colors and border patterns that show your personality will make your letter or note that much more special.

Dating a letter:

Usually the date is put at the upper right hand of the first page of a letter, or at the end, and to the left of the signature, of a note. The date should be spelled out in full for more formal letters. It is far less confusing for one’s correspondent to read January 9, 2010, than 1-9-10.

Neatness:

Write the name and address on the envelope as precisely and as legibly as you can. The post-office has enough to do in deciphering the letters of the illiterate, without being asked to do unnecessary work for you!

Types of letters/notes:

-Note of Apology

Each of us has, at one time or another, said or done something that we wish we hadn’t. However, rather than dwell on the mistake, the best thing to do is take quick action to remedy the problem. Writing an effective letter of apology is the courteous thing to do and actually improve a relationship.

–Letter of Thanks

Thank you letters or notes can and should be written for many reasons. This is done so infrequently these days, that any person receiving one will feel special and grateful. Not to mention notice your impeccable manners. Feel free to send a thank you note for any reason that you feel it is warranted, however, here are a few of the most important times to send them:

After a job interview

For a gift you received

After staying at someone home for an extended period of time, three days or more.

–Letters of Congratulations

Congratulation letters or cards should be sent when something good happens to someone close to you. This could be an engagement, special success or the birth of a child.

-Letter of Condolence

These are the most difficult type of letters to write. There is often a lot of emotion at the time of writing. However, there is only one rule that should be followed to guide you in writing such letters. Say what you truly feel.  Sit down at your desk, let your thoughts dwell on the person you are writing to, and just say what you feel. That simple act will mean much more then a letter full of poems, quotes and Scriptures. The more closely a note can come to expressing a hand-clasp, a thought of sympathy, or, above all, a genuine love or appreciation of the one who has gone, the greater comfort it brings.

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It’s not done often, but if you get the chance, sit down and write a letter. It will make a more lasting impression then an email, and people will remember it fondly.

*www.roxy-tart.com*