Styles and Format in Business Letter

My last post was about the first task that is “Parts of Business Letter”. Still related to business letter, this time i would like to write about the Styles and Formats in Business Letter.

Most business letters must include a return address (letterhead or your name and address), date, an inside address (receiver's name and address), a salutation, body paragraphs, and a closing. However, there are several ways to format this information. For example, return addresses can be centered or begin at the left margin or begin at the horizontal center of the page.

There are four basic business letter formats.

Letter Format		Features
Full Block		All letter parts begin at the left margin.
Modified Block	Indented Paragraphs	Date, signature, and closing begin at the horizontal center of the page. All body paragraphs are indented.
	Blocked Paragraphs	Date, signature, and closing begin at the horizontal center of the page. All body paragraphs begin at the left margin.
Simplified		All letter parts begin at the left margin. This format includes a subject line but omits the salutation and signature.

Format for Writing Professional Letters

There are several formats for writing professional letters. There are two basic styles of letters: block form and indented form. The samples below will help you determine which style you prefer.

Full Block Form

Your Name Address Phone Number E-mail (optional) Date Name of Receiver Title Company Name Address Dear __________: When writing a letter using block form, no lines are indented. Include your name, address, and phone number where you can be contacted, as well as the date. You then include the name and address of the person you are sending the letter to. With new paragraphs, just skip a line instead of indenting. Add your phone number where you can be contacted in the last paragraph. If the receiver needs to use a relay service to call you, briefly explain that you are deaf/ hard-of-hearing and that s/he can call you through relay. Give the receiver his/her state relay number and explain that s/he will need to give the operator your number. Then give him/her your number. Sincerely, Your Signature Your Name Your Title

Indented Paragraphs Form

Your Name Address Phone Number E-mail (optional) Date Name of Receiver Title Company Name Address Dear __________:                When writing a letter using indented form, indent each paragraph. First include your name, address, phone number, and the date. This information should be located at the top of the page, either in the center, or indented on the right side of the paper. You then include the name and address of the person to whom you are sending the letter.                At the end of the letter, place your signature on the right side of the page. Don't forget to provide any relay information if necessary. Sincerely, Your Signature Your Name Your Title

Blocked Paragraphs Form

Your Name Address Phone Number E-mail (optional) Date Name of Receiver Title Company Name Address Dear __________: When writing a letter using blocked form, indent each paragraph. First include your name, address, phone number, and the date. This information should be located at the top of the page, either in the center, or indented on the right side of the paper. You then include the name and address of the person to whom you are sending the letter. At the end of the letter, place your signature on the right side of the page. Don't forget to provide any relay information if necessary. Sincerely, Your Signature Your Name Your Title

Simplified Style Form

Your Name Address Phone Number E-mail (optional) Date Name of Receiver Title Company Name Address SUBJECT LINE (use capital letters) When writing a letter using simplified style form, put the date on the left. Then, put the receiver's name, and his/her title, company name, and address. Write a subject line instead of a salutation. The subject line must be in all capital letters. At the end of the letter, put your name and title, all in capital letters. YOUR NAME YOUR TITLE

Reference : http://www.gallaudet.edu/tip/english-center/writing/letters/business-letters-formats.html