How to Prepare a Block Style Letter With Open Ended Punctuation

Block style letters, traditionally used for business letters, are neat and easy to read. Their clean lines are best for conveying a professional image. Open-ended punctuation is increasing being used in letters to provide an even more uncluttered image. The effect on the eye is one of honesty and sincerity. The picture that your writing presents is the first impression that your reader will get of you and your company. To compose it effectively, learn the basics of writing block business letters and the new style of punctuation that goes with them.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set the alignment of your letter on the left side icon on the tool bar. Every address, paragraph, and signature block will be lined up against the left margin. The only possible exception is bullet points.

    • 2

      Type your address at the top of the page. In order to use open-ended punctuation, write the city, state and zip code with no commas in between. Write the date as day, month, and year, adhering to the same punctuation style. The following is an example of an address and date block in this punctuation style:

      000 Main Street
      Los Angeles CA 00000
      20 November 2009

    • 3

      Press the "Enter" key four times. In the same format as above, write the address of the person to whom you are sending the letter. Press "Enter" twice. Add a greeting. Colorado State University's "An Introduction to Writing Business Letters" discusses the importance of addressing a letter to a specific person. The article suggests calling the business to find out whom to contact before writing the letter. Place no punctuation after the name. Press "Enter" twice more.

    • 4

      Write the body of the letter. In block style format, the paragraphs are typed single-spaced. Between each paragraph, press "Enter" twice, thus skipping a line.

    • 5

      Use bullet points, if are appropriate, in the body of the letter. Write an introductory paragraph or sentence. Select the "Bullet Points" icon on the tool bar. Type a bullet point. If the bullet points are short, do not use punctuation at the end of each line. Press "Enter" after each bullet point, and type another one. After the last point, press "Enter" twice and return to writing at the left margin.

    • 6

      Write the closing. Choices include "Sincerely," "Yours Truly," and "Thanks." Do not use punctuation in your closing. Press "Enter" four times to leave space for the signature. Write your name.

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