1. How to write a Business Letter
When writing a business letter, there are specific formats you must follow.

2. STEP 1: Addresses and Introduction
Heading – consists of YOUR address and the date.
Line 1: Title Student Council President
Line 2: Street Address Spring Street
Line 3: Town, State, Zip Code Anytown AL 23456
Line 4: The date May 2, 2018

3. STEP 1: Addresses and Introduction
Inside Address – consists of the address of the PERSON to whom you are writing the letter.
Line 1: Name and Title Dr. Carol Green, Board of Directors
Line 2: Place Glenwood Medical Center
Line 3: Street Address Main St.
Line 4: Town, State, Zip Code Anytown, AL 12345

4. STEP 1: Addresses and Introduction
Salutation – Consists of ‘Dear’, followed by the person’s title. (Mr., Miss, Mrs., Ms, Dr., Prof., Sen., etc. their last name and a COLON (:).
Dear Mr. Smith:
Dear Ms. Black:
Dear Dr. Green:

5. STEP 2: Body (BPDO)
This is where you write your letter. Use the following format (BPDOG) when writing:
B = Background
P = Purpose
D = Details
O = Operations

6. STEP 2: Body (BPDO) B = Background Includes a description of:
who you are
what you do
etc…

7. STEP 2: Body (BPDO) P = Purpose Why are you writing this letter?
I am writing this letter to invite you to speak at ….

8. STEP 2: Body (BPDO) D = Details
Includes specific details surrounding the event (5 W’s)
Any important information the person receiving the letter should know
Facts and figures to support your reasons

9. STEP 2: Body (BPDO) O = Operations
How will things work? What do you want the person to do?
write back, reply, etc.
MUST include reply information – a way for the person to get back to you

10. STEP 3: Closing (G & C)
G = Goodwill
C = Closing

11. STEP 3: Closing (G & C) G = Goodwill
Compliment them on their work/effort/etc.
Thank the person for their time

12. STEP 3: Closing (G & C) C = Closing Joy Ashford (signature)
Include a proper closing such as ‘Sincerely,’ ‘Yours Truly,’ and then a COMMA,
Skip 3 lines, PRINT your name, skip a line and write your signature, skip another line and then PRINT your name in the space.
Ex. Sincerely,
Joy Ashford (signature)
Joy Ashford