How To: Write a letter

It might seem easy to a few, but some of us out there grew up with email and consider "the letter" an artifact. However, writing a letter is the ultimate in class and shows someone you took the extra time to get in touch with them. Whether you are writing a business letter or a friendly letter, these tips will guide you in properly writing that letter to a special someone, friend, or client.

You Will Need:
• Stationery
• A pen
• A stamp
• An envelope
• A computer (optional)
• A printer (optional)

Step 1: Start with the date
Start by including the date. It should go in the top-right corner if you're writing a personal letter, and in the top-left corner if you're writing a business letter. With a business letter, continue by writing the recipient's name two lines below the date, and their address one line below their name.

Step 2: Greet the recipient
Dear" is appropriate for either a business or personal letter. If you don't know the recipient, use "To Whom it May Concern." For informal letters, use "Hello," or "Hi," followed by a comma and the person's first name.

Step 3: Write first paragraph
State the purpose of the letter in the first paragraph.

Step 4: Write the body
Write the body of the letter clearly and logically so the reader knows why you are writing.

Step 5: End the letter
Close the letter with a paragraph describing the action you expect the recipient to take.

Step 6: Add a closing
Choose an informal or formal closing based on the recipient. "Sincerely," or "Regards," works in nearly every situation. Write your name and sign the letter.

Step 7: Prepare the envelope
Write your address in the upper-left corner of the envelope. Write the recipient's address in the middle. Seal the letter in the envelope, place a stamp in the top-right corner, and mail it.