Business Letters Ms. Stewart Computer Applications

Types of Letters Block Modified Block Personal Business Letter Cover Letter

Block Style All components of the letter begin flush (aligned with) left margin Created on letterhead See example – Block Style

Modified Block The date, complimentary close, signature block are centered All OTHER of the letter begin flush with left margin See example - Modified

Personal Business Letter Written on behalf of the person sending the letter and not the company. Not written on letterhead See example – Personal Business Letter

Letters Essential Elements –Return Address (if it isn’t written on letterhead) –Date Line –Inside Address –Salutation –Message –Signature Block (includes the complimentary closing)

Return Address Starts on the first line of the document Sender’s Information –Name –Business/Affiliation –Address

Date Line Month Day Year Two lines (DS) below letterhead or return address

Inside Address Receiver's Information –DS below date –Addressees’ name –Business/Affiliation –Address

Message Two lines below inside address Salutation – Greeting –Dear Sir or Madam: –To Whom it May Concern: Paragraphs are SINGLE spaced DOUBLE spaced between paragraphs What you are sending the letter about…

Signature Block Complimentary Close –2 lines below the end of the message –Capitalize the first word –Coma after last word Example: Sincerely, Signature Block –4 lines below complimentary close –To leave room for signature –Type name –Type business name