In the business world, routine business letters are part of essential communication practices among companies, clients and vendors.

A business letter is used as a means of providing important information to the recipient about any changes, updates or news an organization has to share.

Business letters are formal documents and, as such, must be written in a professional tone.

A business letter is a letter written in formal language, usually used when writing from one business organization to another, or for correspondence between such organizations and their customers, clients and other external parties.

Types of Routine Business Letters:

1.Requests2.Replies3.Goodwill messages.

Characteristics of Good Letters: Clear Content – Short sentences,

transitional expressions, and familiar words.

Goodwill Tone – Points out reader benefits.

Correct Form – Sends silent but positive message.

Block Style:The dateline, inside address, and body are

set flushed left.

The letter is centered on the page.

Margins: 2.5 to 4 cm

Do not justify right margins.

Single spaced paragraphs; Double space between paragraphs.

Modified Block Style:Body: Left-justified and single-spacedThe date and closing are in alignment in the

center of the page.

Semi Block Style:Each paragraph is indented instead of left

justified.

Routine Letters: Guffey’s 3x3 Writing Process

Phase 1: Analysis, Anticipation, Adaption

Phase 2: Research, Organization, Composition

Phase 3: Revision, Proofreading, Evaluation

Routine Letters: RequestRequest for Information or Action

Opening: State the main idea. Body: Explain and justify the requestClosing: Request action, avoid overused

endingsShow appreciation by maintaining a courteous

tone.

Routine Letters: RequestOrder Letters

Opening: Authorize the purchase. Body: Specifies items or services, quantities,

dates, prices, and payment method. If you are ordering many items, list them

vertically.Closing: Tell how you plan to pay.

Routine Letters: RequestDirect Claims

Opening: State purpose of requestPresent a clear statement of the problem Body: Explain objectively with specifies of

claim.Closing: Request for action Include an end date if applicable.

Routine Letters: Direct RepliesComplying with Requests

Opening: Frontload with main idea Body: Arrange information logically Closing: End with a cordial, personalized

statement.Tell the reader how to proceed.

Routine Letters: Direct RepliesLetters of Recommendation

Opening: Identify information of the candidateBody: Include supporting statements with

details. Closing: Make an overall ranking of the

candidate.Provide a telephone number for more

information

Routine Letters: Direct RepliesGranting Claims and Making Adjustments

Opening: Comply with the customer’s claim. Body: Win back the customer’s confidence. If you do apologize, do it briefly. Closing: Be positive and complement writer.

Goodwill MessagesGeneral Guidelines (The five S’s)

BE .. Selfless, Specific, Sincere, Spontaneous, and keep the message Short.

Answering Congratulatory Messages

Send a brief note expressing your appreciation.Accept praise gracefully.

Goodwill MessagesGiving Thanks

Gift thank you: Identify the gift and relate to it.

Favor thank you: Be sincere, express the actual value of the favor.

Hospitality thank you: Offer praise by complementing.

Goodwill MessagesExtending Sympathy

Loss or tragedy: Refer directly but sensitively.Deaths: praise the deceased.Offer assistance by suggesting your availability.

10 Key Points: 1.     Present the letter through the reader's perspective.2.     Verify that the format of the letter is professional.3.     Use the three part direct pattern for routine requests and  4.     Avoid cliches.5.     For order letters, be direct and detailed.6.     For claim letters, avoid harsh words and statements.7.     For direct letters, write a subject that quickly identifies the topic. 8.     Have the active/positive news be the focus of the letter.  9.     For Goodwill Messages, focus on the five S's:        selfless, specific, sincere, spontaneous and short.10.   Always revise the letter thoroughly before sending it.