ABSTRACT
A good-news message concisely conveys information that will please the recipient. The audience of a good-news message usually is one person. Occasionally, the good news may apply to an organization, such as an organization that has won an award. In that case, the recipient is a representative of that organization. A good-news message should announce the good news in its first paragraph. Good news messages generally are sent via business letter or email. Business acquaintances do use email, or even a phone call, for minor good news. However, email lacks the formality and keepsake value of a traditional letter on high-quality stationery. Everything discussed in the "deliver the good news" guidelines could be included in a three- or four-sentence opening paragraph. The only function of the first paragraph is to announce the good news and, if appropriate, offer congratulations.
