Business Letter

A business letter is a formal way of A business letter is a formal way of communicating between two or more parties. communicating between two or more parties. There are many different types of business There are many different types of business letters. Business letters can be informational, letters. Business letters can be informational, persuasive, motivational, or promotional. persuasive, motivational, or promotional.

Business letters should be typed and printed on a Business letters should be typed and printed on a standard 8.5 X 11 white paper and should not standard 8.5 X 11 white paper and should not exceed a page. exceed a page.

Elements of a Good Business Letter

The most important element of writing a good The most important element of writing a good letter is your ability to identify and write to your letter is your ability to identify and write to your audience. If you are addressing your letter to the audience. If you are addressing your letter to the department of human resources, avoid using department of human resources, avoid using highly technical terms that only engineers would highly technical terms that only engineers would understand. Even if your letter is addressed to an understand. Even if your letter is addressed to an engineering company, chances are that the engineering company, chances are that the personnel in human resources does not have an personnel in human resources does not have an engineering background. engineering background.

Elements of a Good Business Letter

The next element is to make sure you The next element is to make sure you present your objective in a clear and concise present your objective in a clear and concise manner. Don't be vague about your manner. Don't be vague about your objective; most people will not have the objective; most people will not have the patience to sit there and guess at the patience to sit there and guess at the meaning of your letter. Most don’t have the meaning of your letter. Most don’t have the time to read a long-winded letter either, so time to read a long-winded letter either, so stick to one page and just get to the point stick to one page and just get to the point without going into unnecessary details. without going into unnecessary details.

Elements of a Good Business Letter

Another important element to remember is Another important element to remember is to remain professional. Even if you are to remain professional. Even if you are writing a letter of complaint, remain polite writing a letter of complaint, remain polite and courteous. Simply state the problem(s) and courteous. Simply state the problem(s) along with any other relevant information along with any other relevant information and be sure to avoid threats and slander. and be sure to avoid threats and slander.

Remember to introduce yourself if your Remember to introduce yourself if your audience is unaware of who you are. audience is unaware of who you are.

Elements of a Good Business Letter

In most cases, the business letter will be the first In most cases, the business letter will be the first impression that you make on someone. Though impression that you make on someone. Though business writing has become less formal over time, business writing has become less formal over time, you should still take great care that your letter's you should still take great care that your letter's content is clear and that you have proofread it content is clear and that you have proofread it carefully.carefully.

Business writing should be clear and concise. Take Business writing should be clear and concise. Take care, however, that your document does not turn out care, however, that your document does not turn out as an endless series of short, choppy sentences. Keep as an endless series of short, choppy sentences. Keep in mind also that "concise" does not have to mean in mind also that "concise" does not have to mean "blunt"—you still need to think about your tone and "blunt"—you still need to think about your tone and the audience for whom you are writing. the audience for whom you are writing.

Where to Begin?

Reread the description of your task (for example, the Reread the description of your task (for example, the advertisement of a job opening, instructions for a advertisement of a job opening, instructions for a proposal submission, or assignment prompt for a proposal submission, or assignment prompt for a course). Think about your purpose and what course). Think about your purpose and what requirements are mentioned or implied in the requirements are mentioned or implied in the description of the task. List these requirements. This description of the task. List these requirements. This list can serve as an outline to govern your writing and list can serve as an outline to govern your writing and help you stay focused, so try to make it thorough. help you stay focused, so try to make it thorough. Next, identify qualifications, attributes, objectives, or Next, identify qualifications, attributes, objectives, or answers that match the requirements you have just answers that match the requirements you have just listed. listed.

Where to Begin?

Strive to be exact and specific, avoiding vagueness, Strive to be exact and specific, avoiding vagueness, ambiguity, and platitudes. If there are industry- or ambiguity, and platitudes. If there are industry- or field-specific concepts or terminology that are field-specific concepts or terminology that are relevant to the task at hand, use them in a manner that relevant to the task at hand, use them in a manner that will convey your competence and experience. Avoid will convey your competence and experience. Avoid any language that your audience may not understand. any language that your audience may not understand. Your finished piece of writing should indicate how Your finished piece of writing should indicate how you meet the requirements you've listed and answer you meet the requirements you've listed and answer any questions raised in the description or prompt.any questions raised in the description or prompt.

Your Objective

You will be writing a business letter to a D-You will be writing a business letter to a D-List celebrity in an effort to obtain an List celebrity in an effort to obtain an autograph for your beloved teacher, autograph for your beloved teacher, Ms.Rubin. Ms.Rubin.

This assignment is not designed to benefit This assignment is not designed to benefit Ms.Rubin in any way, other than the sheer Ms.Rubin in any way, other than the sheer joy she will feel if your letters actually joy she will feel if your letters actually work.work.

Your Objective

Every second quarter my students are expected to Every second quarter my students are expected to write a business letter. This letter that you will be write a business letter. This letter that you will be writing is much more than a light-hearted assignment. writing is much more than a light-hearted assignment. Your final letter will illustrate your commitment to the Your final letter will illustrate your commitment to the objective at hand, as you demonstrate the proper objective at hand, as you demonstrate the proper techniques of writing a skillful business letter. This techniques of writing a skillful business letter. This letter must be in the desired format, showing a letter must be in the desired format, showing a dedication to the requirements, and an understanding dedication to the requirements, and an understanding that words and letters can make a difference in the that words and letters can make a difference in the lives of others. Your words have meaning, and you lives of others. Your words have meaning, and you need to choose them wisely. need to choose them wisely.

Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams A Canadian rock singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, A Canadian rock singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist,

producer, actor, and photographer. producer, actor, and photographer. Winner of twenty Juno Awards among fifty-six Winner of twenty Juno Awards among fifty-six

nominations, fifteen Grammy Award nominations nominations, fifteen Grammy Award nominations including a win for Best Song Written Specifically for a including a win for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television in 1992. Motion Picture or Television in 1992.

Won two Ivor Novello Awards for song composition and Won two Ivor Novello Awards for song composition and has been nominated for several Golden Globe Awards and has been nominated for several Golden Globe Awards and has won MTV, ASCAP, and American Music Awards.has won MTV, ASCAP, and American Music Awards.

Awarded the Order of Canada and the Order of British Awarded the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia for contributions to popular music and Columbia for contributions to popular music and philanthropic work via his own foundation, which helps philanthropic work via his own foundation, which helps improve education for people around the world.improve education for people around the world.

Bryan Adams It was also Adams's first Academy-Award nomination It was also Adams's first Academy-Award nomination

and Golden Globe nomination as the song was written and Golden Globe nomination as the song was written for the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). for the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). "Waking Up the Neighbours" sold four million albums "Waking Up the Neighbours" sold four million albums in the United States and garnered him six Grammy in the United States and garnered him six Grammy nominations (a record for a Canadian). He won one for nominations (a record for a Canadian). He won one for best song written specifically for a motion picture or best song written specifically for a motion picture or television ("(Everything I Do) I Do It For You"). In television ("(Everything I Do) I Do It For You"). In 1993, he released a greatest hits album, titled "So Far So 1993, he released a greatest hits album, titled "So Far So Good", which spawned a #1 hit, "Please Forgive Me". Good", which spawned a #1 hit, "Please Forgive Me". In 1995, Adams released the single "Have You Ever In 1995, Adams released the single "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" from the movie Don Juan Really Loved a Woman?" from the movie Don Juan DeMarco (1994), which became his fourth #1 hit and DeMarco (1994), which became his fourth #1 hit and his second Academy-Award nomination.his second Academy-Award nomination.

Bryan Adams He is one of two non-American singers to have He is one of two non-American singers to have

four number one hits and the most successful four number one hits and the most successful Canadian singer ever. In 1996, he released the Canadian singer ever. In 1996, he released the album "18 Til I Die", which has garnered him album "18 Til I Die", which has garnered him another two Grammy nominations. Later that another two Grammy nominations. Later that year, he sang and wrote the single, "I Finally year, he sang and wrote the single, "I Finally Found Someone", a duet with Barbra Streisand Found Someone", a duet with Barbra Streisand for her movie, The Mirror Has Two Faces for her movie, The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996), later that year. "I Finally Found (1996), later that year. "I Finally Found Someone" became a top ten hit and won Someone" became a top ten hit and won Adams his third Academy-Award nomination. Adams his third Academy-Award nomination.

Bryan Adams He has released three more albums since then, "MTV Unplugged" He has released three more albums since then, "MTV Unplugged"

in 1997, "On a Day Like Today" in 1998 and most recently all of in 1997, "On a Day Like Today" in 1998 and most recently all of the songs for the Dreamworks animated film Spirit: Stallion of the the songs for the Dreamworks animated film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002) in which Adams got his second Golden Globe Cimarron (2002) in which Adams got his second Golden Globe nomination for "Best song". He is currently touring the world.nomination for "Best song". He is currently touring the world.

He may be Canada's most successful pop/rock singer, but his He may be Canada's most successful pop/rock singer, but his parents were both British citizens and he currently resides in parents were both British citizens and he currently resides in Britain. However, he still has a studio in Canada.Britain. However, he still has a studio in Canada.

His fourth album, "Reckless", is the best-selling Canadian album His fourth album, "Reckless", is the best-selling Canadian album of all time. He received the Diamond Sales Award (equivalent of a of all time. He received the Diamond Sales Award (equivalent of a platinum award in the United States) for the album, a first for a platinum award in the United States) for the album, a first for a Canadian.Canadian.

Has been nominated for 17 Grammy Awards.Has been nominated for 17 Grammy Awards. Of his #1 hits, only one ("Heaven") was not written for a motion Of his #1 hits, only one ("Heaven") was not written for a motion

picture.picture.

Marc Summers

Marc Summers He was a magician, disc jockey, comedian, and He was a magician, disc jockey, comedian, and

studio page in LA during the 70’s. When Jack studio page in LA during the 70’s. When Jack Barry’s announcer fell ill on “The Joker’s Wild” Barry’s announcer fell ill on “The Joker’s Wild” (1972), 1973, Marc (then a 22-year-old page) (1972), 1973, Marc (then a 22-year-old page) filled in. That was his big break. filled in. That was his big break.

He began warming up audiences for network He began warming up audiences for network programs like “Soap” (1977), “Star Search” programs like “Soap” (1977), “Star Search” (1983), and “Alice” (1976).(1983), and “Alice” (1976).

This helped him gain exposure which eventually This helped him gain exposure which eventually led to his opportunity to appear on led to his opportunity to appear on Nickelodeon’s “Double Dare” that he hosted Nickelodeon’s “Double Dare” that he hosted from 1986-1994 and “What Would You Do?” from 1986-1994 and “What Would You Do?” (1991) (1991)

Marc Summers During an interview with Dr. Eric Hollander on During an interview with Dr. Eric Hollander on

Biggers & Summers, Summers revealed that he has Biggers & Summers, Summers revealed that he has obsessive compulsive disorder. Summers went obsessive compulsive disorder. Summers went public about his condition on various television public about his condition on various television shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show and The shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Today Show. In 1999, Summers co-wrote a book Today Show. In 1999, Summers co-wrote a book with Hollander about his experience, called with Hollander about his experience, called Everything in Its Place: My Trials and Triumphs Everything in Its Place: My Trials and Triumphs with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Summers also with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Summers also participated in a series of videos for Freedom from participated in a series of videos for Freedom from Fear, a non-profit organization with the goal of Fear, a non-profit organization with the goal of addressing anxiety disorders and other related addressing anxiety disorders and other related behavioral disorders.[3] Despite his OCD, he was behavioral disorders.[3] Despite his OCD, he was able to interact fully with his fans and contestants able to interact fully with his fans and contestants on Double Dare to the point of even allowing himself on Double Dare to the point of even allowing himself to get slimed.to get slimed.

During the 1990s, Summers continued work on During the 1990s, Summers continued work on television shows, each with varying success. He television shows, each with varying success. He created and hosted the short-lived children's game created and hosted the short-lived children's game show Pick Your Brain, co-hosted Great Day show Pick Your Brain, co-hosted Great Day America on the PAX Network, produced I Can't America on the PAX Network, produced I Can't Believe You Said That, and hosted It's a Surprise Believe You Said That, and hosted It's a Surprise on Food Network.on Food Network.

Summers returned to Nickelodeon in 2000 as the Summers returned to Nickelodeon in 2000 as the executive consultant for Double Dare 2000, an executive consultant for Double Dare 2000, an updated version of his original show. Two years updated version of his original show. Two years later, he was the executive producer for another later, he was the executive producer for another Nickelodeon resurrection, Wild and Crazy Kids.Nickelodeon resurrection, Wild and Crazy Kids.

Marc Summers

Marc Summers He returned to television as the host of more shows, He returned to television as the host of more shows,

including History IQ with his old announcer Harvey on the including History IQ with his old announcer Harvey on the History Channel; the Food Network series Unwrapped, History Channel; the Food Network series Unwrapped, currently in its ninth season; the Unwrapped spin-off game currently in its ninth season; the Unwrapped spin-off game show, Trivia Unwrapped; and the Game Show Network show, Trivia Unwrapped; and the Game Show Network series WinTuition. In 2005, Summers became the host of series WinTuition. In 2005, Summers became the host of Food Network's reality series The Next Food Network Food Network's reality series The Next Food Network Star. Most recently, Summers has joined Chef Guy Fieri as Star. Most recently, Summers has joined Chef Guy Fieri as co-host of Food Network's Ultimate Recipe Showdown in co-host of Food Network's Ultimate Recipe Showdown in 2008. Off the screen, Summers has been involved as an 2008. Off the screen, Summers has been involved as an executive producer on the Food Network's Dinner: executive producer on the Food Network's Dinner: Impossible and "Restaurant: Impossible." Summers Impossible and "Restaurant: Impossible." Summers currently splits his time between homes in Los Angeles currently splits his time between homes in Los Angeles and Philadelphia where his company Marc Summers and Philadelphia where his company Marc Summers Productions has a branch.Productions has a branch.

Marc Summers Off the screen, Summers has been involved as an Off the screen, Summers has been involved as an

executive producer on the Food Network's Dinner: executive producer on the Food Network's Dinner: Impossible and "Restaurant: Impossible." Summers Impossible and "Restaurant: Impossible." Summers currently splits his time between homes in Los currently splits his time between homes in Los Angeles and Philadelphia where his company Marc Angeles and Philadelphia where his company Marc Summers Productions has a branch.Summers Productions has a branch.

Summers appears in the Good Charlotte music video Summers appears in the Good Charlotte music video for their song "Last Night", which uses Family Double for their song "Last Night", which uses Family Double Dare as the motif for the video. He has also played Dare as the motif for the video. He has also played himself on The Cleveland Show, Robot Chicken, and himself on The Cleveland Show, Robot Chicken, and Workaholics, and appeared in special segments on Workaholics, and appeared in special segments on ABC's The Chew.ABC's The Chew.

Soleil Moon Frye

Soleil Moon Frye Soleil Moon Frye began acting at the age of Soleil Moon Frye began acting at the age of

two, after seeing her father, veteran actor two, after seeing her father, veteran actor Virgil Frye, and brother, Meeno Peluce, on Virgil Frye, and brother, Meeno Peluce, on TV. Her father got her an agent, Herb Tannen TV. Her father got her an agent, Herb Tannen & Associates in Hollywood, and her career & Associates in Hollywood, and her career soon took off. Her mother, Sondra Peluce, soon took off. Her mother, Sondra Peluce, became her manager. At age eight, she became became her manager. At age eight, she became known worldwide as the title character in the known worldwide as the title character in the "Punky Brewster" (1984) TV series on NBC. "Punky Brewster" (1984) TV series on NBC. Since that show ended, she has appeared in Since that show ended, she has appeared in numerous movies, directed a film and written a numerous movies, directed a film and written a screenplay for a movie about experiences a screenplay for a movie about experiences a group of teenagers encounter in a café.group of teenagers encounter in a café.

Soleil Moon Frye ““Different Strokes”Different Strokes” ““Punky Brewster”Punky Brewster” ““The Wonder Years”The Wonder Years” ““Saved by the Bell”Saved by the Bell” ““The Ren and Stimpy Show” (voice)The Ren and Stimpy Show” (voice) ““Friends”Friends” ““Sabrina, the Teenage Witch”Sabrina, the Teenage Witch” ““Robot Chicken” (voice)Robot Chicken” (voice) ““Planet Sheen”Planet Sheen”

Anthony Michael Hall

Anthony Michael Hall

Started out in show business as a Started out in show business as a Honeycomb Cereal kid and in Bounty Honeycomb Cereal kid and in Bounty commercialscommercials

Famous for starring in John Hughes movies Famous for starring in John Hughes movies in the 80’s such as The Breakfast Club, in the 80’s such as The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, and Sixteen CandlesWeird Science, and Sixteen Candles

He has over a three-decade Hollywood He has over a three-decade Hollywood careercareer

Anthony Michael Hall

His true breakout role was playing Rusty in His true breakout role was playing Rusty in Vacation with Chevy ChaseVacation with Chevy Chase

He turned down two John Hughes films He turned down two John Hughes films Pretty in Pink and Ferris Bueller’s Day OffPretty in Pink and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

He was on SNL for one year, serving as the He was on SNL for one year, serving as the youngest cast member to dateyoungest cast member to date

Played Mike Engel in The Dark Knight and Played Mike Engel in The Dark Knight and Jim in Edward ScissorhandsJim in Edward Scissorhands

Anthony Michael Hall He is the singer and songwriter of a band He is the singer and songwriter of a band

called Hall of Mirrorscalled Hall of Mirrors He helps at risk youths at the Anthony He helps at risk youths at the Anthony

Michael Hall Literacy Club in Los AngelesMichael Hall Literacy Club in Los Angeles He is known for being one of the “Brat Pack” He is known for being one of the “Brat Pack”

which refers to a group of young actors that which refers to a group of young actors that frequently appear together in the same frequently appear together in the same coming-of-age movies in the 80’s. This came coming-of-age movies in the 80’s. This came from the term Rat Pack by Sinatrafrom the term Rat Pack by Sinatra