The Business LetterRich Greco

Acceptable Format of the Business Letter

In General It Should:

Show an Attractive Letterhead

Be Symmetrical and Balanced

Contain:

Proper Grammar

Correct Spelling

Logically Correct Sentences

The Letterhead Should Contain Your:

Name Address Phone Number E-mail Fax Number

And Have a Bottom Border (which is no

more than 2 inches below the margin)

The LetterThe letter has six (6) parts:

1. The Dateline

2. The Inside Address

3. The Salutation4. The Message (body of the letter)

5. The Complimentary Close

6. The Signature Block

The Dateline

Month written out, e.g.,

August 12, 2002

2 to 6 lines below the border of the Letterhead (This allows the writer to adjust for balance)

The Date

The Inside Address The Inside Address should be

basically what will appear on the envelope (outside address)

3 to 8 lines below the Dateline (allows for balance adjustment)

It should include: Courtesy Title and Full Name Business Affiliation Full Geographical Location

e.g.

Mrs. June Smith PresidentJune’s Bakery14 Egg RoadSweetness, NJ 15437

The Salutation Say Hello to the

person: Dear Mrs. Smith, Dear Mr. Jones,

(exactly) 2lines below the inside address

Message (body of the Letter)

2 lines below the Salutation

Single Spaced

Blank Line Between Paragraphs

Say what you have to say!

Complimentary Close (exactly) 2 lines below the last line of

the message

Yours Truly,

For Example: Sincerely,

Say Goodbye

The Signature BlockLeave at least 3 blank lines (for the actual signature)

Finished

Key Your Name (as you will sign it)

If You Like, Key Your Title Under Your Name

The End A Typical Business Letter is attached to the

back of the Handouts.

Identify each of the items making up the letter