Parts of a Business Letter

A good business letter is a very functional document. As business people do not have time to waste, the letter should convey relevant information succinctly and clearly. There are various conventions acceptable in laying out a business letter: Modified Block Style, Semiblock Style, and Block or Full Block Style. The latest conventions lead business letter writers to the easier and more functional Full Block Style.

Function

Business letters are made up of parts that enable the writer to state what he wishes to say with a minimum of fuss.

Heading

The heading is the part of the letter which has the date, the addressee, the person to whom the letter is being sent, and her company name and address.

Greeting

The next part is the greeting--which is also called a salutation--where the letter starts with "Dear (name)," and the body of the introduction begins two lines below.

Introduction

The introductory paragraph should be 2 to 3 sentences that outline the purpose of the letter. It should lead into the main body.

Closing

Closing the letter should be with a complimentary or polite note, followed by the signature line, and then the writer's name and contact details are written below the signature.

Resources

• Sample Business Letters

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