Different Kinds of Friendly Letters

During a time when most written communications are handled electronically via e-mail or text messaging, it seems as if the craft of letter-writing is becoming even more obsolete. However, the general consensus among both professors and business leaders, like Delgado Community College communications professor Lesli Fumar, is that the importance of creating simple but polite friendly letters is just as important today as it ever was.

Request Letter

A letter of request can be used in business or personal letter writing. A letter of request is just that, a letter that typically requests either a specific favor or a donation. The components of a request letter include a brief introduction, followed by the request. Do not hedge words when writing out the actual request. For example, if you are requesting a $100 donation, specifically ask for $100, and then follow up with what the money will be used for. For example, if the money is being used to buy playground equipment, write, "Our organization would appreciate a $100 donation to purchase playground equipment." Close the letter by thanking your reader for considering the matter.

Thank You Letter

A thank you letter is a letter written to thank a person or organization. Thank you letters should be short and to the point. The writer should create a brief introduction, and then thank the recipient of the letter specifically. For example, if the thank you letter is thanking someone for helping you when you were broken down on the side of the road, the letter may read, "Thank you for helping me fix my flat tire and getting me home safely."

Letter of Invitation

A letter of invitation is a friendly letter that invites a person to either a formal or informal event. Invitation letters should point out whether the event is in fact formal or informal. It should also include the pertinent facts needed, like the event time, date, location and the reason for the event. For example, if the invitation is for a wedding shower, it should note that the event is a wedding shower.

Condolence Letter

A condolence letter, or sympathy letter, is a letter to show support to someone who is going through a difficult time. A condolence letter should convey thoughts of love and support, but in a brief and sentimental way. Ultimately, the condolence letter should let the recipient know you are there for him in any way should he need you.

References

• Writing on the Job; John C. Brereton