Mastering the Informal Letter Writing Format: Tips and Tricks
Writing letters has been an integral part of human communication for centuries. However, with the digital era, the importance of letter writing seems to have diminished, and it has become more informal and casual than ever. While writing an informal letter, one must keep in mind that the main objective is to maintain a cordial and friendly tone, unlike a formal letter that focuses on professionalism. In this blog article, we will discuss the essential tips and tricks to master the informal letter writing format.
Understand the Purpose
The first step to writing a perfect informal letter is to understand the purpose and context. Whether it is a personal letter to a friend or a family member or a professional letter to a colleague, boss, or a business prospect, the tone and language of the letter would vary. One must be clear about the objective of the letter, the expectations of the reader, and the desired outcome.
Use a Conversational Tone
The tone of the letter should be conversational, friendly, and warm. The writing style should emulate the tone of a face-to-face conversation, and one must avoid using complex sentences and jargons. While keeping a relaxed tone, it is essential to maintain clarity and coherence in the writing.
Greet and Salutations
One of the key factors that differentiate informal and formal letters is greetings and salutations. While formal letters often start with a ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘To Whom It May Concern,’ informal letters are more casual and use greetings as per the relationship with the recipient. For example, one could use ‘Hi,’ ‘Hello,’ or ‘Hey’ while addressing a close friend or family member. However, if it is a professional letter, it is recommended to use the recipient’s name and greeting, such as ‘Dear John/Sara.’
Use Suitable Language
The language used in informal letters should be easy to understand. One must avoid using jargons, big words and complex phrases, unless it is essential to do so. The letter must be written keeping in mind the education and understanding level of the recipient. Also, refrain from using abbreviations and texting language.
Structure the Letter
The informal letter should have a clear structure and format. It should have a greeting, introduction, body, and a conclusion. The introduction should mention the reason for writing the letter while the body must contain details about the topic. The conclusion should summarize the content, and a suitable closing salutation should be used.
Use Examples and Personal Touch
In informal letter writing, using personal examples or anecdotes can make the letter more engaging and captivating. It adds a personal touch and makes the letter more interesting. However, one must be careful not to overdo it as it may reduce the professionalism of the letter.
In conclusion, informal letter writing is more about maintaining friendly communication and building relationships. The tips and techniques discussed in this article will help anyone to write an effective and engaging informal letter. Remember to be clear, precise, and warm in the language, structure the letter correctly, and maintain the right tone and style. Happy writing!
