My mother neglects her needs and health. How do I convince her to take care of herself?
Share A Conundrum Answer A Conundrum Where To Buy

How To Proofread A Business Letter

-->

Categories

Business  |  How Tos  |  Careers  |  Writing  |  Networking  |  Writing Jobs  |  Proofreading  |  Online Communication & Networking  |  Communications  |  Social Networking

valz
Managed By: valz
Managed Since: 10/22/2009
Views: 0
Money Earned: M$0.34

Page revenue is subject to change as we obtain data from our partners

Recent Contributors



  • Introduction

    • Whenever you are contacting a business colleague, customer, competitor or potential client in writing, it is important to portray the proper tone. As is the case with any other formal written correspondence, your credibility may be undermined if your business letter contains any typos, incorrect grammar or inappropriate language. Therefore, it is key to thoroughly proofread any business letter before sending it out.

  • Step 1: Take a Break

    • Even if you are in a hurry to send out your business letter, you should always give yourself a break between writing the letter and proofreading it. After writing the letter, take a break from it and do something else. Then, come back to the letter and print out a copy. Looking at a hard copy of the letter gives you a different perspective than reading it on your computer screen and may make it easier to spot any errors you may have made.

  • Step 2: Read and Reread

    • Getting as many perspectives as you can will increase the chances that you'll be able to spot any and all possible errors. While the spell and grammar check features on your word processing program will catch blatant errors, it will not catch all of them. For example, misspelling "to" as "too" or "two" may not be picked up by a spell or grammar checker.

    Although it may seem repetitive, the more times you read the letter, the more likely you are to spot and correct any mistakes. Some different reading techniques you may want to employ when reading your letter include:

    1. Reading the letter out loud
    2. Reading the letter backwards
    3. Reading the letter from right to left
    4. Reading the letter slowly and determinedly

  • Step 3: Proof for Content

    • Once you have proofread for spelling and grammar, your next step is to read through the letter, paying attention to what you have written. Although you will have a clear idea of what it is you want to say, it is vital that your message is clearly and efficiently conveyed. As you read for content, try to put yourself in the recipient's place and distance yourself form your writing.
    • As you read, ask yourself the following questions:
    1. Have you maintained a respectful and businesslike tone throughout the letter?
    2. Have you introduced the topic and point of your letter in the first paragraph?
    3. Have you avoided using any superfluous language or jargon?
    4. Are your thoughts clearly organized and thoughtfully conveyed?
    5. Have you reiterated your main point in the closing paragraph?
    6. Have you opened and closed the letter appropriately?

  • Step 4: Ask for Help

    • If possible, ask a colleague or trusted friend to give your letter another once-over. Ask them to give you honest feedback on your writing and then use their feedback to revise your letter.

  • Conclusion

    • Writing business letters is an important part of being involved in business. Whether you are writing letters in an attempt to get new clients, build on the business relationships you have, or resolve conflicts, your credibility may be damaged if your letter contains typos, grammatical errors or unclear writing.

  • Back Back | Next Next
    Questions and Answers About How To Proofread A Business Letter | View All | Ask a Question

    Which is a better career a proofreader or a copy editor?   (1 Answer) 
    as a medical trancription read more
    Personal letter writing in business (handwritten) - Pretentious, or a touch of personal class?   (12 Answers) 
    Personalized note cards with your name and/or company already printed on them are great for establishing a consistent brand or image. http://www.writeonresults.com/Images/Samples/CursiveThankYou.gif When you visit a client or make a ... read more
    What are your best tips for proofreading college essays?   (2 Answers) 
    There are many different kinds of proofreading: proofreadig for grammar, typographical errors, punctuation, meaning, coherency, logic of argument, etc. Many writiers have difficulty proofreading their own work because the eye/brain ... read more
    How do you write a letter asking a previous employer to write a letter of recommendation?   (1 Answer) 
    Not an answer... just a comment. I think companies are resisting giving recommendations these days. There have been some legal action against those who give out recommendations, and being scared ... read more
    View All How To Proofread A Business Letter Questions (1396) | Ask a Question

    More

    Ask a Question about How To Proofread A Business Letter 140 characters

  • Back Back | Next Next
    How To Proofread A Business Letter on Google Products | View All

  • Back Back | Next Next
    How To Proofread A Business Letter on Google Products | View All

    More

 


More from Mahalo

Top Searches

Most Popular Questions

See More

Most Viewed

Recently Updated

Most Earned  View All

Contact Mahalo | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Advertisers | RSS for this page | CC License 2.0
©2007-2009 Mahalo.com Incorporated.
Powered By EdgeCast




Share A Conundrum Answer A Conundrum Where To Buy