Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Topic: Letter Writing Is Archaic and Should Not Be Taught Anymore

In a world where communication skills are increasingly on the decline, learning how to write effectively is a must. Skilled letter writers can have an immense impact on the well-being of their companies. According to Copyrighting 911, "While a proper letter can build an excellent reputation in the business world, a bad one might ruin it, compromising not only the writer but the whole company." Although fewer companies may be sending out hard copies of business letters, emails should be written in correct business letter format.

Besides learning the correct formatting for a business letter, it is crucial that business-appropriate language is used. Slang is becoming more commonplace in all types of writing but it should have no place in professional writing. Besides the actual verbiage of the letter itself, the tone in which it is written needs to be carefully monitored. Businesses have to break both good and bad news to customers, employees, and investors. What kind of news the letter is conveying should be tied to the appropriate tone. Failing to do so could make the writer of the letter seem patronizing, among many other things.

On a final note, things are being taught completely different in public schools from even 12 years ago. Students now do not receive the emphasis on writing business letters that was once given. According to Copyrighting 911, "when it comes to composing an official, all standard-looking, grammatically correct business letter in fine English, your school background may be not enough". It very well may be up to business professionals and students to learn this skill on their own.

Source: http://www.copywriting911.com/business-letter-writing

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