How to Write Greeting Notes

Personalize a store-bought greeting card with a short greeting note from you.

Greeting cards contain messages that can be funny, serious, sentimental or uplifting, but nothing personalizes a greeting card like a short note written by you. Don't assume that the recipient will immediately recognize the time and thought you put into picking out the perfect card, when all you include is your signature. A greeting note can be a few words or a few sentences long and consider who you are writing to and the occasion you are commemorating.

Things You'll Need

• Greeting card
• Pen or pencil

Instructions

1. Think about the person to whom you are writing. This person may be a close friend, a relative or a random person at work. Consider how you feel about this person and how well you know him. For your husband or best friend, you will want to make specific and intimate comments. However, for a coworker you barely know, your comments should remain general but sincere.

2. Consider the occasion. The addition of "Happy birthday" or "With deepest condolences" in your own handwriting can make the recipient feel acknowledged. Ignore the words already printed on the card, and say what you feel about the occasion. Express your joy or sorrow in your own words. Add phrases like, "Have a special day" or "I've been thinking about you."

3. Use appropriate language. For long-time friends, frivolous greetings such as birthdays or thinking-of-you can contain slang or ungrammatical language based on your long history and an informal style of speaking. However, for greeting notes written in cards for coworkers, neighbors or lesser acquaintances, keep the language formal. Avoid attempts at humor when you do not know the recipient well.

4. Be considerate of others religious affiliations or the lack thereof. When writing sympathies for illness or death, avoid using religious statements such as "God heals all wounds" unless you are certain of the recipient's religious beliefs.

5. Copy the masters. If you are at a loss for words, use a book of quotes to find someone else's words to speak for you. For anniversaries, quote a lyric of "your" song. For old friends, use quotations from movies or inside jokes to convey intimacy and create a connection.

6. Choose a suitable closing. Using a closing within the greeting note shows that you took the time to consider the contents of the note or card before signing your name. By simply adding "Sincerely" below the greeting cards contents you emphasize to the recipient that these words represent your feelings. For retirement cards, consider "With deepest respect" or "With hope for the future."

References

• Sandra Lamb: Writing Greeting Card Messages
• Brownielocks: Writing Notes