1. How to format and what to include
Business Letters
How to format and what to include

2. Purpose Used to communicate with people or companies
Can be used to obtain information, form a complaint, compliment, apply for a job or sent information.

3. Block Style Letter All parts of the letter are left aligned
The body of the letter is single spaced, with one line left between each paragraph
The paragraphs are not indented.

4. Parts of a Business Letter
Heading
Inside Address
Salutation
Body
Closing
Signature

5. Heading The address of the sender
May have a letterhead with this information already imprinted
Should include the following:
The sender’s address
the senders mailing address
Date being sent

6. The Date Should be written out in full
Example: April 25, 2005
If using a company letterhead, date line should be typed three lines below heading
If using a return address, type date line directly below the return address, leaving no spaces

7. Inside Address
The name and address of the person or business to whom you are sending the letter.
Type the inside address on the fourth line under the date line.
Should contain the same information that will be used on the envelope.

8. Salutation The letter's greeting.
Typed two returns underneath the inside address.
Includes the addressee's name and courtesy title along with the greeting

9. ALL OR NOTHING Punctuation Open punctuation-
No punctuation after the salutation
No punctuation after the closing
Mixed Punctuation-
A colon (:) follows the salutation
A comma(,) follows the complimentary closing
ALL OR NOTHING

10. Body Discuss the purpose of the letter
Begins two returns below the salutation
Should be single spaced with two spaces between each paragraph

11. Closing
A courtesy signal at the end of each letter, sometimes called the complimentary closing
Should be typed two returns below the body of the letter
Must be kept professional
Use Sincerely, Cordially, Regards, and Respectfully to name a few

12. Typed Name and Signature
The writers name is typed 4 lines below the closing
The space between the closing and the writers name is for the writers signature
Blue or Black INK ONLY

13. Envelope
Return address (YOUR ADDRESS)
Stamp
Mailing address