ABSTRACT
The old-fashioned letter remains an often used means of communication, and for good reason. While a telephone call is often the best choice, choosing a letter is occasionally more appropriate even than email. Effective letter writing presupposes attention to style and letter writing conventions. A great number of conventions govern the formal components of a letter. Firms usually have paper with a pre-printed letterhead (and footer) in which the sender’s details are printed. The salutation in personal letters is followed bij a comma, in business letters the comma is left out; in American letters the salutation is followed by a colon. The salutation “Dear ladies and gentlemen” is increasing in popularity, also in internal letters. The following salutations are more specific: Dear members of the board, Dear members of the application committee and Dear members of the works council. A signature gives a letter legal standing and it shows the reader who is responsible for the letter.
