How to Write an Informal Business Letter

An informal business letter is a bit more relaxed than a formal business letter, but not relaxed enough to be casual.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Address Books
• E-mail Accounts
• Postage Stamps
• Bonded Paper
• Envelopes
• Stationery
• Writing Pens
• Computers
• Word-processing Software

1. Use writing that is breezy rather than casual. Be brief, straightforward and logical.
2. Employ standard grammar, spelling and formatting rules, but relax your tone and construction slightly.
3. Use contractions and conversational phrases to soften the letter.
4. Begin with the date, both your address and the recipient's (or just your address) and a salutation.
5. Choose "Dear" over "To Whom It May Concern."
6. Place a comma after the salutation ("Dear Jane,") instead of a colon.
7. Use personal statements to make the letter less formal: "I agree with your assessment of the highway construction project. I too commute that way."
8. Close with "Best," "Cheers" or "Regards," rather than "Sincerely" or "Thank You."

Tips & Warnings

• Formal business letters are typically reserved for legal or official correspondence.
• Casual correspondence usually takes the form of a memo, note or e-mail letter.

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