How to Write a Discharge Letter

Philosopher J.L. Austin identified a peculiar language type he referred to as a performative utterance. Performative utterances are those instances in language where an action is performed by the mere uttering or writing of a statement, as with promises and vows. Formal discharge letters are performative utterances in that in their very writing, they perform the act of discharging and dismissal. Writing a discharge letter requires you to include very specific language indicating the formal details of the discharge enacted by the writing and delivery of the letter.

Instructions

    • 1

      Write the organization's official business contact information in the top right of the page, including business name, address, telephone number, fax number, email address and website.

    • 2

      Indicate the delivery date of the letter below the business address and on the left side of the page.

    • 3

      Write the name and address of the individual or organization the letter discharges.

    • 4

      Address the individual or organization formally. For example, "Dear Bob Smith:" or "To Treetop Shale and Rock Company:"

    • 5

      Open your letter with some incarnation of this line, "On this date, July 2, 2004, Your-Company's-Name hereby discharges Bob Smith from his position as Assistant Manager."

    • 6

      List the reasons for the individual or organization's discharge. This could range from unsatisfactory output to a simple end of contract terms.

    • 7

      Close the letter with some incarnation of this line, "You are hereby required to notify Your-Company's-Name upon your receipt of this letter. Failure to do so by July 9, 2004 will lead to the forfeiture of any obligations to you still held by Your-Company's-Name."

    • 8

      Include a formal sign-off such as "Respectfully," or "Sincerely," before signing your name. If you are a representative within a larger organization, you must also indicate your title below your signature. For example, "Human Resources Manager" or "CEO."

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