Unit 3: External Communication: Formal Letters
While memos are used for internal communication and emails for both internal and external communication, formal letters are mainly used as an external means of communication. Understanding when a communications context requires the more formal delivery of a physical letter falls under the initial considerations of the audience analysis and design/formatting stages of the writing process.
Letters can range from friendly introductions to more formal announcements with accompanying legal documents. In their more serious capacity, letters seek to create a formal and documented chain of communication.
Two main formats exist for letters: the block format and the indented format. Both require the recipient’s and sender’s full names and addresses. They begin with a formal salutation and end with a complimentary closing. Their formal structure helps to convey authority and credibility.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 11 hours.
Unit 3 Assessment
In this assessment, you will write responses to a series of questions and be given the opportunity to evaluate your work. You will also be shown sample responses that will help you assess your own writing.
In this assessment, you will write responses to a series of questions and be given the opportunity to evaluate your work. You will also be shown sample responses that will help you assess your own writing.
In this assessment, you will write responses to a series of questions and be given the opportunity to evaluate your work. You will also be shown sample responses that will help you assess your own writing.