The Business Letter - still effective in today's digitally linked communication world? (2024)

When it comes to writing that important business letter, whether it's an invitation to a high profile event, an urgent letter of apology, or a sales letter, many non-native speakers of English feel uneasy with the task. Not only is the phrase formulation an issue, but the nature of writing as a communication mode is one that most people would avoid if they could. Here are some of my experiences with drafting effective business letters.

First, let's ask ourselves the question, whether the business letter is still as potent as it used to be some years ago - with social media and seemingly infinite real-time communication tools at our disposal? I believe the answer is a clear YES. Not only because I am a writer by background, but because I have myself witnessed how the simple written business letter can move business along like no other tool can. The catch is not to use it in isolation, but to use it as part of a well-planned communication strategy.

As you write your letter of invitation, for instance, think ahead about who and how the next contact will be made. Will someone in the company make the follow up phone call? Who will that person be specifically, the event manager, or the director himself? Get as much information from your team as you can about who is working on what.

Another frequently made mistake is writing business E-mails or letters without tailoring the letter so that it includes specific information about the person receiving it. If it is an invitation letter to a keynote speaker, don't settle for anything less than the speaker's most up-to-date credentials and activities. What was he or she involved in that is most outstanding? Where did he or she give a recent speech? What was it about? This part of writing the letter may seem common knowledge, but few people give the time to do proper research before typing away, only to find a lack of response from in their correspondence.

These are a few of the experiences Ive made while working in the corporate sector. You can find more business writing advice by clicking the link below: