Texting via cell phone and chatting are common ways of communicating with friends today, but writing letters is an effective traditional way to put a smile on someone's face. Writing a letter using email or regular mail the old-fashioned way has the same form: a friendly letter should consist of an opening greeting, extracting information about your friend, news about your life, and a proper closing.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Starting Mail
Step 1. Write the date on the letter
If you're trying to write a letter, it's a good idea to add the date in the upper-left corner of the letter. Many people keep their letters for years and they like to see the date and year written on the letters to remember the past. Write down the date, for example, “May 7, 2013” or simply use numbers that indicate the day, month, and year.
Step 2. Write an opening greeting
The opening of the letter, whether handwritten or in the form of an email, is called an opening greeting. This is where you greet the person you are writing to by writing their name, for example, “Dear Emily” or “Hello, Skylar”. Think about the nature of your relationship with the recipient, your preferences, and your style, then choose your greeting according to those criteria.
- If you tend to like to write in a more formal style, using "Dear" in your opening greeting is a good choice. It may sound conventional, but think about it: greeting someone with "respectful" is actually a very sweet gesture and indicates that you care. However, you don't need to give the word another interpretation; "Dear" is as appropriate for a letter to a good friend as a letter to an acquaintance you have just met.
- For a more casual letter, consider starting with “Hi, (name)” or “Hello, (name)”. This greeting is appropriate for a friend or relative, but don't start a business letter this way, as it's too casual.
- Write a more personal greeting for someone you are intimate with or would like to be more intimate with. For example, “[name] Beloved”, “[name], or [name] Dear”.
- Make sure to end the greeting with a comma. It is also formally appropriate to start the body of the letter on the next line.
Method 2 of 3: Compiling the Body of the Letter
Step 1. Start with a joke
The first paragraph of a friendly letter is usually warm and cheerful. This is a way to create the character of the letter, by letting the recipient know that what will be read will be more friendly and less serious or formal. Use the first few lines to give a longer greeting, humor, or, to talk about the season.
- "How are you?" or “How are you doing” are common ways to start letters. Ask questions that can make the letter like part of a long conversation. If you want an answer to your letter, feel free to supplement it with a few questions.
- You can use the first paragraph to dig deeper into the recipient's life. For example, “I hope little Julie enjoys kindergarten. I didn't think he was that big!"
- Talking about the seasons is a common letter opening. Consider this the equivalent of making small talk before you dive into a deeper conversation. For example, “I hope you have a pleasant fall. The trees in my area are more fertile than before. However, I think we will face winter.”
Step 2. Share the news and personal details
Now comes the time for the body of the letter, which is your purpose for writing the letter. Why did you open this correspondence? Would you like to get back in touch with a friend you haven't seen in a long time, express how you miss someone or thank them for helping you? Be honest, open, and clearly articulate to communicate your message effectively.
- Write down what is happening in your life. No matter what the story, your letter may be appreciated, but the recipient will feel closer to you (and that's why letters will be more effective)) if your life is exposed. Tell me what events have happened, what emotions you have felt, and what plans you have for the future.
- Don't create a fictitious picture of your life that will take away the purpose of a friendly letter. Avoid providing up-to-date information in a writing style such as writing holiday activities. Your friend will start reading the end of the letter right away if you just list things you've accomplished since your last letter. You don't need to go into detail about your problem, but try to describe yourself realistically.
Step 3. Discuss relevant topics with your friends
How was your friend the last time you spoke to her? Is he in a situation on the verge of breaking up with his lover? Is he in the midst of a difficult time in his football team? Continue by commenting and asking questions to show that you are interested in your friend's life.
- You can also discuss common interests. Write down your thoughts on art, politics, current events, or any subject you would like to discuss with your friend in person.
- Consider suggesting a movie you've just seen that you think your friends would like, or a book you've read and would like to recommend. Sharing good information is always allowed in the mail.
Method 3 of 3: Ending the Letter
Step 1. End the Letter
Write the last paragraph by giving the best wishes to a friend or loved one. The last paragraph is usually lighter than the body of the letter, but should match the overall feel of the letter in general. Try to end the letter on a note that will create positive feelings for your friend.
- Repeat the purpose of your letter. For example, if you invite your friend to a party, write, "I wish you could come!" If you just want to wish a friend a happy holiday, write, "Have a great Thanksgiving!" or speech that has such a purpose.
- Encourage your friends to reply to your letter. If you want a reply, write, “I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible,” or, “Reply soon!”
Step 2. Write a closure
The closing you choose should suit the nature of the letter, be it traditional or more casual. Like the opening greeting, the closing of the letter should be determined by your relationship with the recipient of the letter. The closing of the letter is followed by giving your signature.
- If you want to write a formal closing, consider using the words “Wasalam”, “Greetings”, or “Greetings”.
- If your letter is more relaxed in nature, try writing the words "Your best friend," "Take care of yourself," "See you later."
- For a more intimate closing, choose the words “Who Loves You”, “Lots of Love”, or “Who Always Thinks of You.”
Step 3. Consider including postscript (additional note)
A postscript or PS is often included at the end of a friendly letter as a way to add less important information that should be in a separate paragraph in the body of the letter. You can also write humor that is funny or can not be written. Either way, make sure the postscript fits the nature of the letter and makes the recipient feel the same way you do.
Tips
- Check the letter for any spelling mistakes before sending it.
- Please read and correct any misspellings before submitting them.
