Thursday, July 5, 2018
Lenovo T60 Drivers Windows Vista
Lenovo T60 Drivers Windows Vista
1. Understand your purpose.
Why are you writing? What do you want the reader to do after reading your letter? Do you want to change her mind or convince him to take a specific action? Are you seeking forgiveness? Do you mean to complain about bad service or a faulty product? Are you trying to get hired? Whats the "ask"?
Once you know this, you can � and should � cut everything out that doesnt serve that purpose.
2. Identify your audience.
Knowing your audience helps you choose your language and target your ideas more precisely.� Dont use jargon that your reader wont understand.
3.�Keep it short.
Most of us endure a constant flood of written communications, and we have a limited amount of time to spend reading it. You therefore have a better chance of being read if you keep your letter to one page. A multi-page letter with long paragraphs and complex sentences looks overwhelming. The busy reader will be tempted to set it aside for when she has more time�and she might never get around to picking it up again. Use short paragraphs, short sentences, short words.
4. Use simple language.
Its the writers job to be understood. Even if your audience is highly educated, you should avoid big words and long, complex sentences. People arent stupid; theyre busy. Make our job easier, and were more likely to give your letter the attention it deserves. Formal writing does not require the use of big words. Dont try to sound sophisticated; try to be clear. Use "ask" instead of "request." Say "buy" instead of "purchase." Instead of "enclosed herewith please find," just say, "Ive enclosed" or "Here is. . . ."
5. Lead with the most important point.
As journalists say, dont bury your lead. Find a way to open with the idea or information that you most want your reader to focus or act on. The first paragraph might be the only one he reads, so dont hide the "ask" in the last paragraph.
6. Follow the rules.
There are rules for formatting a business letter. You ignore them at your peril.
7. Proofread. Then proofread again.
No matter how grammatically gifted you are, errors and typos can creep in. When you think youve finished writing, read your piece slowly and attentively, watching for those typos. Dont trust spellcheck. If possible, print a hard copy of your letter and read it�out loud�with a pen in hand, marking those typos, awkward sentences, confusing lines. If its really important, have somebody else read it and let you know if youve missed something.
8. Let it cool before sending.
Especially if you are writing to persuade or complain, you probably are motivated by some pretty strong feelings. Absolutely write your first draft in the white-hot heat of passion. Express your feelings. Get it all on paper. But then . . . before you print and sign, or hit send, walk away for awhile. Go do something else. Let that heat of passion cool. Then come back and re-read what youve written. Is it fair? Is it smart? Is it true? Is it kind? Would you regret having it read on television, in front of your boss and your grandmother? Make the changes that seem appropriate after your emotions have settled.
Then, and only then, hit send.
