How to Write a Condolence Letter

Video Transcript

"Hi, I'm Laura from youngwritersworkshop.com. I'm going to talk about how to write a condolence letter. It's a really, it can be a really difficult task to write a letter like this. And I think it's important to remember that you're reaching out to a person and spending the time. Sending a letter is is probably the most important thing you can do. Try not to focus as much on how you say it as much as what you say. And just the act of, of sharing some of your thoughts. If you're going to write a letter, any letter start with a greeting or salutation and it's generally dear and how ever you would address the person. It's always followed by a comma. In the body of your letter which is the next paragraph, the opening paragraph you want to say a little about expressing your, your sorrow for the person's loss. And reflecting on your appreciation of the person that's been lost. I would include in your letter your wishes for the person that you're writing to and their family. Try to avoid or definitely avoid using words like I know exactly what you're going through. Try and keep it the focus on the other, on the person who's going to be receiving this letter. And express your willingness to help in whatever way you can. Include perhaps an invitation to get together or whatever it is that you can offer as a way to share in the persons experience and to support them. Close the letter with a summary of your expression of sorrow or grief and then a standard closing like sincerely comma and your name. That's a format and some ideas about how to write a condolence letter."