PHASE ONE: LETTER WRITING LONG TERM PROJECT PHASE ONE: LETTER WRITING

THE BUSINESS LETTER LTP - 2016

LET’S REVIEW: WHAT ARE ALL OF THE PARTS OF A FRIENLDY / BUSINESS LETTER DATE GREETING INTRODUCTION BODY PARAGRAPHS CONCLUSION CLOSING SIGNATURE

THE PURPOSE The purpose of the Long Term Project (LTP) business letter is to gain information from experts in the field that you are studying. You may also ask for tangible artifacts and objects and attempt to secure a mentor through letter writing.

BRAINSTORM What types of places might you send letters to? Businesses Major distributors / resellers (mass mailing) Small businesses (local) Educational Institutions (specific departments) State municipalities / agencies Non-profit organizations KNOW WHO YOU ARE WRITING TO AND WHY. THINK BIG! THE WORLD IS NOT SMALL!

GREETING / SALUTATIONS NOTES: Unless you know the reader well and typically address them by their first name, you should include the person's personal title and full name in the salutation (i.e. "Dear Mr. James Franklin"). If you are unsure of the reader's name, include his or her title (i.e. "Dear Executive of Marketing"). If you are unsure of the reader's gender, simply state their full name and avoid the personal title (i.e. "Dear Jamie Smith"). If you are unsure of the reader's gender, name, and title, simply write, "To Whom It May Concern." Leave one line blank after the salutation.

GREETING / SALUTATIONS Don’t forget the date! January 31, 2014 EXAMPLES: Greetings… / Salutations… / Dear… Dear Mr. John Stevens, Dr. John Stevens, Representative John Stevens, To Whom it May Concern, Dear Sir or Madam,

INTRODUCTION NOTES: Professional letter paragraphs should be relatively concise. The first paragraph may include a brief friendly opening and a concise explanation of your reason for writing.  Be sure to introduce yourself. Name Grad School Explanation of purpose / project Be excited

INTRODUCTION EXAMPLES: My name is and I am a fifth grade student at Discovery Elementary School in Kentwood, Michigan. As part of a school research project on Innovation, I am gathering information and materials on my topic, the innovations of fly fishing. I am extremely interested learning more about fly fishing and am hopeful you can help!

BODY PARAGRAPHS (1) The second paragraph (and any subsequent paragraphs) should expand upon your reason for writing. Explain why you wrote to each place, specifically. Explain what you will be doing, specifically. Explain how they can help, be specific. Give praise... Compliment… show you know something about them

BODY PARAGRAPHS (1) EXAMPLES: As experts in the field of fly fishing, I am confident that the people of Field and Stream will be able to assist me in my research and project development. I am responsible for knowing what innovations have had the greatest impact on fly fishing and what innovations are currently impacting the sport. I could make use of any literature you might have or might be able to suggest for me. In addition, I can make use of objects that would enhance my ability to understand and present my learning when I share. I would benefit from any artifacts you might be willing or able to provide that would increase the quality of my display. I am particularly interested in casting techniques, something I’ve read a lot about in my research. I would like to understand it better and highlight it in my work and was hoping you could tell me more about it.

BODY PARAGRAPHS (2) The second paragraph (and any subsequent paragraphs) should expand upon your reason for writing. Explain the need for a mentor Explain how the process might work

BODY PARAGRAPHS (2) EXAMPLES: In addition to collecting resources and information for my final product, I would value the advice of an expert in the field of fly fishing. I am required to interview a mentor for my project and I was hoping you might be able to provide a name of a professional that would be willing to visit my classroom, or speak with me personally about the sport.

CONCLUSION The conclusion should restate your purpose and offer thanks.

CONCLUSION EXAMPLES: I am very excited to become more of an expert on fly fishing. I have been reading about the sport daily and am eager to hear back from you. Thank you for taking the time to consider my request.

CLOSING End your letter with an appropriate closing. EXAMPLES: Sincerely, Regards, Best regards, Thank you, All the best, Enthusiastically, Kind regards, Many thanks, Respectfully, Etc.

THE FINAL LETTER