Are you struggling with writing informal letters that can impress your readers? Whether you are corresponding with a friend, a business partner, or someone in between, writing an effective informal letter can make a world of a difference. Not sure how to do that? Here are seven tips to help you get started.
1. Start with a clear purpose and tone
Before you start writing your letter, ask yourself what your purpose is. Are you trying to convey a message, express gratitude, share exciting news, or just catch up? Your purpose will determine the tone of your letter, so make sure it’s appropriate for your audience and the situation.
2. Begin with a friendly greeting
Starting a letter with a generic “Dear” can be quite boring. Try to personalize your greeting to reflect your relationship with the recipient. For example, you can address your best friend as “Hey there” or “Hi buddy,” while a business correspondent can be addressed using their formal title.
3. Keep it brief and to the point
Informal letters are meant to be conversational, but that doesn’t mean you ramble on without direction. Your readers are busy, and they don’t want to read a lengthy letter that takes forever to get to the point. Keep your letter brief and concise while focusing on the main message you want to convey.
4. Use an active voice
Using active voice makes your writing more engaging and effective. It makes your letter sound less stiff and more conversational. If you’re not sure how to use the active voice, look for resources and tutorials online, and practice incorporating it into your writing.
5. Make it relatable
Your readers will engage more with your letter if they can relate to the content you’re writing about. Share personal experiences and anecdotes that they can connect with or create a narrative that draws them in and makes the topic more relatable.
6. Proofread and edit
Before sending the letter, take the time to proofread and edit it. Grammar errors, spelling mistakes, and typos can affect the credibility and impact of your message. So, go over your letter and ensure it’s polished and error-free.
7. End with a strong conclusion
Finally, wrap up your letter with a strong conclusion that ties together the main points. Express your gratitude or reaffirm your intention to stay in touch. Don’t forget to sign off with a suitable phrase like “Best,” “Yours truly,” or “Sincerely.”
In conclusion, writing a compelling informal letter is not complicated if you stick to the fundamental tips mentioned above. If you keep your tone warm, personalize your message, keep it concise, make it relatable, use an active voice, proofread it before sending, and close strongly, you’ll impress your readers and achieve your purpose.
