Business Letters Business letters will follow one of four basic styles: Block Modified-Block Simplified Personal-Business

Block Style The most efficient and commonly used letter style All lines begin at the left margin Paragraphs are not indented.

Modified-Block Style The “traditional” letter style Date and closing begin at center--use tab at 4.5” Paragraphs may be indented

Simplified Style The newest letter style--sometimes considered impersonal All lines begin at the left margin No salutation--subject line instead No close--name and title in all caps

Personal-Business Style Used for letters related to individual rather than company matters May be block or modified-block Originator’s address follows originator’s name

Business Letters Business letters will follow one of two punctuation styles: Open Mixed

Open Punctuation Dear Mr. Jones xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Sincerely Commonly used with the block style letter No colon after the salutation No comma after the complimentary close Dear Mr. Jones xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Sincerely

Mixed Punctuation Dear Mr. Jones: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Sincerely, Commonly used with the modified-block and personal-business style letters Colon after the salutation Comma after the complimentary close

Business Letters Two-page business letters will have one of the following second-page headings: Vertical heading Horizontal heading

Vertical Heading Mr. Joe Thompson November 17, 2018 Page 2 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Used with the block and simplified letter styles Begin 1” from the top at the left margin

Horizontal Heading Mr. Joe Thompson Page 2 November 17, 2018November 17, 2018 Used with the modified-block and personal-business letter styles Begin 1” from the top Addressee at left margin, page number at center, date at right margin

Business Letters Letters should always be centered All margins should be evenly set Left and right margins from 1-2” depending on length of letter Top and bottom margins set by centering page vertically

Parts of a Block Business Letter Heading/ Return Address Date Inside Address Greeting or Salutation Body Complimentary Closing Signature

Block Style Business Letter 1.Heading/Return Address 2. Date 3. Inside Address 4. Greeting/Salutation 5. Body 6. Complimentary Closing 7. Signature Carlos J. Monde

Block Style Business Letter 1.___________________ 2. __________ 3. _______________ 4. ________________ 5. ___________ 6. __________________ 7. ____________