1. Business Letter At the end of this section you will be able to:
State the main details found on letterheaded paper
Design letterheaded paper
Discuss the basic presentation requirements in fully blocked layout with open punctuation
Understand the importance of consistent presentation
Explain how business documents should be structured
Describe the four-point plan for structuring business communications
Compose a variety of simple business letters

2. Stationery and printing Presentation Language and tone used
Business letters convey an impression of the company in many different ways:
Stationery and printing
Presentation
Language and tone used
Structure of the letter

3. First impressions!
Business letters are an ambassador for your company, so a good first impression is essential
A well-presented business letter may lead to an important contact (thinking on the lines of applying for jobs/work experience)

4. Company logos
Refer to page 53

5. Other parts of a business letter
Confidential/airmail/urgent
Shown on a letter between the date and the address ie:
CONFIDENTIAL
Mr Martin Johnson
Managing Director
Carona |Press plc
56 Walker Avenue
Leeds
LS3 5GJ

6. Open punctuation
Open punctuation is used with the fully-blocked layout of a letter. Within the letter you are to only use punctuation marks within the body of the letter.
You must be consistent ie:
12 July (no st, th or rd no comma)
Mr & Richard Reeves (no full stops)
Dear Mr Leighton (no commas)
Yours sincerely (no commas)

7. Categories of business letter
Confirmation
Acknowledgement
Enquiry
Reply
Complaint

8. Parts of a letter
1. Why are you writing? Refer to a previous letter, contract or document.
2. Give instructions. Ask for information. Provide all relevant details. Separate into paragraphs for separate themes. Make sure the paragraphs flow logically.
3. Action for recipient to take. Action you will take. A conclusion.
4. A simple, relevant closing sentence.