NPM: 21110500
Kelas: 4KB02
Business Letter
A business letter is usually used when writing from one company to another, or for correspondence between such organizations and their customers, clients and other external parties. The overall style of letter will depend on the relationship between the parties concerned. There are many reasons to write a business letter. It could be to request direct information or action from another party, to order supplies from a supplier, to identify a mistake that was committed, to reply directly to a request, to apologize for a wrong or simply to convey goodwill. Even today, the business letter is still very useful because it produces a permanent record, is confidential, formal and delivers persuasive, well-considered messages.
General Format
There are two main styles of business letters:
1. Full block style: Align all elements on the left margin.
2. Modified block style with other elements on the left page margin.
Margin
Side, top and bottom margins should be 1 to 1 1/4 inches (the typical default in programs such as Microsoft Word). One-page letters and memos should be vertically centered.
Font Formatting
No special character or font formatting is used, except for the subject line, which is usually underlined.
Punctuation
The salutation/greeting is generally followed by a comma in British style, whereas in the United States a colon is used. The valediction/closing is followed by a comma.
The salutation/greeting is generally followed by a comma in British style, whereas in the United States a colon is used. The valediction/closing is followed by a comma.
Example Template:
[SENDER'S ADDRESS]
(optional) [SENDER'S PHONE]
(optional) [THE SENDER'S E-MAIL]
[DATE]
[RECIPIENT W/O PREFIX]
[RECIPIENT'S COMPANY]
[RECIPIENT'S ADDRESS]
(Optional) Attention [DEPARTMENT/PERSON],
Dear [RECIPIENT W/ PREFIX]:
[First Salutation then Subject in Business letters]
[CONTENT.]
[CONTENT.]
[COMPLIMENTARY CLOSING (Sincerely, Respectfully, Regards, etc.)],
[SENDER]
[SENDER'S TITLE]
Enclosures ([face])
Identation Format
Business letters conform to generally one of six indentation formats: Standard, Open, Block, Semi-Block, Modified Block, and Modified Semi-Block. Put simply, "Semi-" means that the first lines of paragraphs are indented; "Modified" means that the sender's address, date, and closing are significantly indented.
Standard
In a standard format letter, uses a colon after the salutation, uses a comma after the complimentary closing.
Open
In an open format letter, uses no punctuation after the salutation, uses no punctuation after the complimentary closing.
Block
In a Block format letter, (1) all text is aligned to the left margin, (2) paragraphs are not indented. (3) no leaving of spaces
Semi-Block
In a Semi-Block format letter, all text is aligned to the left margin, paragraphs are indented. paragraphs are separated by double or triple spacing.
Modified Block
In a Modified Block format letter, all text is aligned to the left margin, except for the author's address, date, and closing; and paragraphs are not indented. The author's address, date, and closing begin at the center point.
Modified Semi-Block
In a Modified Semi-Block format letter, all text is aligned to the left margin, except for the author's address, date, and closing; and paragraphs are indented. The author's address, date, and closing are usually indented in same position.
Business Letter Example:
In a standard format letter, uses a colon after the salutation, uses a comma after the complimentary closing.
Open
In an open format letter, uses no punctuation after the salutation, uses no punctuation after the complimentary closing.
Block
In a Block format letter, (1) all text is aligned to the left margin, (2) paragraphs are not indented. (3) no leaving of spaces
Semi-Block
In a Semi-Block format letter, all text is aligned to the left margin, paragraphs are indented. paragraphs are separated by double or triple spacing.
Modified Block
In a Modified Block format letter, all text is aligned to the left margin, except for the author's address, date, and closing; and paragraphs are not indented. The author's address, date, and closing begin at the center point.
Modified Semi-Block
In a Modified Semi-Block format letter, all text is aligned to the left margin, except for the author's address, date, and closing; and paragraphs are indented. The author's address, date, and closing are usually indented in same position.
Business Letter Example:
