The Business Letter Handbook [antikvár]

Preface i-' 11' ( . This book has two purposes: (1) to introduce you to some basic ideas about successful written communication via letters and memos and (2) to give you about three hundred sample letters dealing with fifty-four different business situations that you can adapt for your own use. Clear and effective writing reflects clear and effective thinking. Such writing facilitates business action. It eliminates confusion. It helps people understand the whats, whys, and hows of business pohcies and decisions. It cements relationships or diplomatically ends them. Poorly written letters and memos, conversely, make matters worse and reflect negatively on the writer. Nearly all business action involves communication. Many of the problems that occur in any business can be traced to misunderstandings and unclear communication between people. Effectively written letters and memos help minimize such misunderstandings. By following the suggestions in the introduction to this book and using the sample letters as guidelines, you can more easily prepare written communications that will say what you want them to in a straightforward, friendly, businesslike manner. To use this book in any communication situation in which you find yourself, simply check the letters in each category to find the one that best fits your needs and make changes as appropriate. It is possible and even probable that you will encounter various business problems that are not included in the list of situations the sample letters cover. That does not preclude using the samples anyway. Simply choose a situation similar to one in which you have an interest and adapt the letter to your purpose. Many companies, regardless of size, have installed electronic mail systems to facilitate internal communication. Recognizing the growing popularity of this medium, we have also included a short section on the use of e-mail and a variety of sample messages showing the uses of e-mail and the composition of e-mail messages. Finally, here are a few important notes on using the sample letters: • All names, places, and situations in the sample letters are fictional—and any resemblance to real people, organizations, or events is coincidental. • The sample letters offer good models to be followed—^but in order to create your own clear and effective communications, they must be thoroughly adapted and changed to fit your situation. • In cases where your communications involve legal issues or other professional or expert advice, be sure to also consult with a lawyer or other professional.