Chapter 8 - Business document writing. On completion of this chapter students will know how to: write a formal business letter using the full block format; differentiate between letters of inquiry, letters of complaint, response letters and sales letters; recognise the features and purposes of communicating via email; construct a standard email; use a range of practices to ensure successful business email communication. | Chapter 8 Business document writing Learning objectives On completion of this chapter students will know how to: write a formal business letter using the full block format differentiate between letters of inquiry, letters of complaint, response letters and sales letters recognise the features and purposes of communicating via email construct a standard email use a range of practices to ensure successful business email communication. Business letters Business letters are written for many reasons: to initiate action to inform to request to persuade. Steps to a successful business letter To write a successful business letter follow these steps: Determine the purpose of your letter. Write a plan. Draft and redraft the letter. Edit and proofread. Qualities of a business letter A business letter should have the following six qualities: clarity concreteness completeness conviction conciseness courtesy. Standard components of a business letter The letterhead (sender’s . | Chapter 8 Business document writing Learning objectives On completion of this chapter students will know how to: write a formal business letter using the full block format differentiate between letters of inquiry, letters of complaint, response letters and sales letters recognise the features and purposes of communicating via email construct a standard email use a range of practices to ensure successful business email communication. Business letters Business letters are written for many reasons: to initiate action to inform to request to persuade. Steps to a successful business letter To write a successful business letter follow these steps: Determine the purpose of your letter. Write a plan. Draft and redraft the letter. Edit and proofread. Qualities of a business letter A business letter should have the following six qualities: clarity concreteness completeness conviction conciseness courtesy. Standard components of a business letter The letterhead (sender’s address) The date Receiver’s address Salutation Subject heading Body of the letter Sign off Personal signature and name/title of sender Body of the letter The body of the letter should relate to the subject heading. It should provide information logically (. in a sequence). Different issues should be discussed in separate paragraphs. Style of letter Although there are several recognised styles for a business letter, the full block style is widely recognised. When working for an organisation ensure that you are familiar with the in-house style of the organisation, which may be a variation of the full block style. Types of business letter Letter of inquiry Response to letter of inquiry Purchase orders Sales letter Letters of inquiry Provide a clear, specific question. Give a reason for the inquiry. Are polite, but not servile. Response to letter of inquiry Use standard letter layout. Always use a subject heading. Begin by referring to the original inquiry (be .
