About Note Writing
Note writing has always been a special way for people to communicate, and has become even more special in an age of telephones, voice mail and quick e-mails. Taking the time to write and send notes can display good etiquette and courtesy, and extra thoughtfulness. Carefully worded notes can express congratulations or thanks, cheer up a friend or loved one, or provide a gift more special than an actual present.
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Types
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The two main types of note writing include business notes and personal notes. Business notes can include memos, brief instructions or thank-you notes, such as those sent after a job interview or in appreciation of someone who has worked hard. Personal notes include notes sent with a gift, or thank-you notes for a gift or act of kindness. People may also write personal notes of congratulations when someone gets a new home, job, or completes a major accomplishment, or on the occasion of an engagement, wedding, anniversary, new baby or adoption. Note writers may also send sympathy notes after the loss of a loved one, or get-well wishes after injury or during illness. Friends may send notes of encouragement to each other, and couples may give each other love notes.
Features
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Like letters, most notes begin with a greeting, then a message, and conclude with a signature. The types of wording used for these features varies widely with the type of note and the formality. For business notes, writers may begin with "dear" or "to" and the name of a person or organization. For personal notes, writers often use the person's first name or nickname. Couples may begin notes with terms of endearment such as "my darling wife." The conclusion of the note should match the beginning in formality, and may include a sign-off phrase such as "sincerely," or simply the note-writers name or nickname.
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Size
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Notes are typically shorter than letters, but what one writer considers a short note another might consider a long letter. Most note writers choose cards or small stationery sheets that are appropriate to the occasion. While some cards have preprinted messages, most have room to write a personalized note on the inside of the card, or below the standard message.
Considerations
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In writing a note, people should consider the type and formality of the occasion. This can help them choose appropriate paper or cards, and appropriate wording. While a note typed on plain white paper that gets right to the point may be perfect for a business, it may note be an appropriate way to thank grandma for the wedding gift, or encourage a friend who is ill. Note writers should take time to carefully consider what they want to say and how to say it, and how to present it well, without confusing terms or spelling errors. Love notes are often the most personal, and take the most time and thought to write. For complex notes, writers may want to make several drafts on scratch paper before copying the final wording to the card or stationery.
Time Frame
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Most note writers should send their notes as soon as possible after an occasion such as receiving a gift, completing a job interview or hearing news about a loved one. For other occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries, note writers should prepare their notes in advance, so they have time to deliver or mail them to the recipient before the event. In some circumstances, writers may have to delay their note writing a bit, such as starting thank-you notes for wedding gifts after the honeymoon, or thank-you notes for baby gifts after the new family member has settled in a bit. Note writers who are late, such as missing a birthday or taking too long to send a thank-you, may want to include a short apology as part of the note.
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