Business Letter Writing

Course Duration is 1 Day

£425.00 Plus VAT

Delivery Method

Face To Face Delivery  Virtual Delivery One To One Coaching Closed Group Course Public Course

Business Benefit

Clear, concise written communication that projects a professional image is important to every organisation. This course focuses on the skills required to produce high quality written communication that is designed to inform and impress.

Who Should Attend

Anyone who needs to produce clear business letters or proposals as part of their job.

Learning Outcomes

1. Content and Structure of a Business Letter: Business letters typically adhere to a formal structure. They include the following components:

  • Sender’s Address: Placed at the top of the letter.
  • Date: Below the sender’s address.
  • Recipient’s Address: Positioned below the date.
  • Salutation: The formal greeting, e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith.”
  • Body: The main content of the letter, organized into paragraphs.
  • Complimentary Close: A polite closing phrase, e.g., “Yours sincerely.”
  • Signature: Handwritten or digital, depending on the format.
  • Enclosures: If any documents are attached.
  • CC (Carbon Copy): If the letter is sent to additional recipients.

2. Presenting Different Types of Information Using Different Styles: The style of presentation in a business letter varies depending on the purpose and audience. For example:

  • Informative Letters: Use a clear and straightforward style.
  • Persuasive Letters: Employ persuasive language and highlight benefits.
  • Complaint Letters: Be polite but assertive, providing all relevant details.
  • Thank You Letters: Express gratitude sincerely and concisely.
  • Formal Letters: Maintain a professional tone and language.
  • Informal Letters: Allow for a more relaxed tone, but still be respectful.

3. Creating Impactful Letters: To make letters impactful, consider:

  • Crafting a compelling subject line or opening statement.
  • Using concise and persuasive language.
  • Highlighting key points and benefits.
  • Addressing the recipient’s needs or concerns.
  • Providing supporting evidence or examples.
  • Closing with a strong call to action or a memorable closing statement.

4. Guidelines for Different Types of Letters: Guidelines for different types of letters vary. For example:

  • Formal letters require a professional tone and precise language.
  • Complaint letters should be constructive and specific.
  • Persuasive letters need a clear value proposition.
  • Thank you letters should express genuine appreciation.
  • Business proposal letters should be well-structured and focused on benefits.
  • Cover letters should match the job requirements and highlight qualifications.

5. Post-Course Implementation Plan: After completing a business letter writing course, an implementation plan may include:

  • Setting goals: Define what you aim to achieve with improved letter writing skills.
  • Practice: Regularly write and review different types of business letters.
  • Feedback: Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your skills.
  • Templates: Create reusable templates for common letter types.
  • Continuous Learning: Stay updated with evolving business communication trends.
  • Tracking Progress: Monitor the impact of improved letter writing on your objectives.

Incorporating these aspects into your post-course implementation plan will help you apply your newfound knowledge effectively, enhance your business letter writing skills, and achieve greater impact in your written communications.

Course Content

1. Conventions of Letter Writing:

  • Formatting: Follow the formal format with sender’s and recipient’s addresses, date, salutation, body, complimentary close, and signature.
  • Addressing: Use formal titles and names (e.g., Mr. Smith, Dr. Johnson) unless an informal tone is appropriate.
  • Tone: Maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout the letter.
  • Language: Use clear, concise, and grammatically correct language.
  • Punctuation: Pay attention to punctuation rules for formal writing.

2. Creating a Clear and Logical Structure:

  • Introduction: State the purpose of the letter clearly in the opening paragraph.
  • Body: Organize information logically with each paragraph covering a specific point or topic.
  • Transitions: Use transitional phrases to guide the reader through the letter.
  • Bullet Points or Numbering: When listing items or steps, consider using bullet points or numbering for clarity.
  • Conclusion: Summarize key points in the closing paragraphs.

3. Making a Strong Start:

  • Engaging Opener: Begin with a concise, engaging statement or a relevant question.
  • State Purpose: Clearly state the reason for writing in the first few lines.
  • Personalization: If appropriate, acknowledge any previous communication or relationship with the recipient.

4. Good Business Style:

  • Formality: Match the level of formality to the recipient and the context.
  • Clarity: Be direct and avoid ambiguity.
  • Conciseness: Use the fewest words necessary to convey your message.
  • Professionalism: Maintain a professional and respectful tone.
  • Positive Language: Use positive language when possible, avoiding negative or confrontational expressions.

5. Techniques for Strong Endings:

  • Summarize Key Points: In the closing paragraphs, briefly summarize the main points.
  • Call to Action: Clearly state what action or response you expect from the recipient.
  • Appreciation: Express gratitude if appropriate.
  • Signature: Use a formal closing phrase, such as “Yours sincerely,” followed by your signature.

6. Guidelines for Specific Types of Letters:

  • Job Application Letters: Highlight qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.
  • Cover Letters: Tailor the content to match the job requirements and the company’s culture.
  • Thank You Letters: Express sincere appreciation for a specific gesture or assistance.
  • Complaint Letters: Provide a clear account of the issue and a proposed resolution.
  • Business Proposal Letters: Clearly outline the benefits and value of your proposal.

By adhering to these conventions and guidelines, you can create well-structured, clear, and effective business letters that are tailored to their specific purpose and audience, thereby enhancing your business communication skills.

How to Book

If you are interested in booking this course, then please select an available date and then click book now to complete the booking. Can’t see a suitable date contact us on [email protected] and we can discuss specific date requirements.

Embedding

These follow up coaching sessions help support your colleagues to embed their learning during their skills transfer period.  Applying new skills and changing behaviour takes effort and practice.  After attending a training course many colleagues will find they need support through this transition.  EQV can provide that support with follow up coaching sessions to help embed the learning.

Embedding coaching sessions can be delivered in 90 minute and half day durations.  The facilitator will work with the group to capture feedback about challenges and how to overcome them ensuring success going forward.

Having a formal embedding coaching session will not only increase the success of the skills transfer period but helps create a platform of motivation, inclusivity and commitment within the group.