MAJORSHIP REVIEW: TECHNICAL WRITING
WHAT IS TECHNICAL WRITING?
Acclaimed proponents of technical writing Mills and Walter (1981) gave several definitions
to aid us in understanding the nature of technical writing. According to them:
Technical writing is writing about scientific subjects and about various technical subjects
associated with the sciences.
Technical writing is characterized by certain formal elements, such as its scientific and
technical vocabulary, its use of graphic aids, and its use of conventional report forms. Page | 1
FSPANGINEN | ELJMC: Excellence, Leadership, and Justice
MAJORSHIP REVIEW: TECHNICAL WRITING
3. Use language that is simple, concrete, and familiar.
4. At the beginning and end of every section of your report, check your writing according to
this principle: “First you tell the reader what you’re going to tell him, then you tell him
what you’ve told him.”
5. Make your report attractive.
On the other hand, while bearing in mind the important principles of technical of technical
writing, it would also help to distinguish the purpose of technical writing so that wePage do | 2
not confuse technical writing technical writing with other writing forms. So, what are the
technical writing with other writing forms. So, what are the purposes of technical writing?
1. It serves as basis for management decision.
2. It furnishes needed information.
3. It gives instructions.
4. It records business transactions through proposals.
5. It procures business proposals.
6. It serves as basis for public relations.
7. It provides report to stockholders of companies.
Properties of Technical Writing
The following properties of technical writing are also known as “considerations” when
writing reports.
1. Subject matter. In writing technical papers, you must ask the question, “What will I write
about?”
The subject matter is an essential element in technical report writing. Some examples of
this are descriptions of a process, writing about a theory, or submitting a policy.
2. Audience. When thinking about audience, ask “Whom am I writing for? Or who are my
intended readers?” This is a property which pertains to a particular reader of a technical
literature.
3. Expression. This property refers to two basic modes in which a technical report has to be
delivered – writing it or reading it. Your expression of the content will depend on your
awareness of your audience’s/ reader’s psychology and your style in writing to be able to
reach your audience’s/ reader’s understanding.
4. Style. This refers to how the materials is written. A technical writer uses clear, specific
point of view, objective, impartial, and unemotional style in writing.
5. Arrangement of materials. This pertains to how ideas should be organized in
chronological, spatial or logical order, from general to specific to general, and use
illustrations to present the information.
Earlier, technical writing is treated as a unique from of written communication because of
its important qualities, purposes, and properties. Let us elucidate it further by enumerating
striking differences between this form of writing which is more formal and academic
compared to other writing forms. For instance, writing can be grouped into five basic types:
Technical writing conveys specific information about a technical subjects to a specific
audience for a specific purpose.
Creative writing is fiction-poetry , short stories, plays, and novels-and far different
from technical writing.
Expressive writing is a subjective response to a personal experience-journals and
diaries-whereas technical writing might be objective observations of a work-related
experience or research.
Expository writing “exposes” a topic analytically and objectively, such as news
reports. Like technical writing the goal of expository writing is to explain or reveal
knowledge, but expository writing does not necessarily expect a response or action
from the reader.
Persuasive writing depends on emotional appeal. Its goal is to change one’s
attitudes or motivate him/her to action.
Differences between Technical writing and Creative Writing
Writers have different writing styles. There are writers who are more inclined to the
straightforward or direct form of writing while others are on the creative or literary. Below are
differences between technical writing and creative writing based on content, audience, purpose,
style, tone, vocabulary, and organization.
FSPANGINEN | ELJMC: Excellence, Leadership, and Justice
MAJORSHIP REVIEW: TECHNICAL WRITING
Technical Writing Creative Writing
Content Factual, straight forward Imaginative, metaphoric
or symbolic
Audience Specific General
Purpose Inform, instruct, persuade Entertain, provoke,
captivate
Style Formal, standard, Informal, artistic, Page | 3
academic figurative
Tone Objective Subjective
Vocabulary Specialized General, evocative
Organization Sequential, systematic Arbitrary, artistic
Below are ethical considerations in writing technical papers, some however are opposite
practices. Underline all the ethical practices.
Abide by the appropriate corporate or professional code of conduct.
Tell the truth.
Avoid discriminatory language.
Make false implications.
Exaggerate.
Use euphemisms.
Mislead you readers.
Be clear.
Acknowledge assistance from others.
Abide by relevant laws.
RELEVANT LAWS AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO TECHNICAL WRITING
There are four bodies of law that are relevant to technical communication. Technical
writers must be aware of legal and ethical considerations when preparing technical papers.
1. Copyright law covers the protection of the rights of the author.
2. Trademark law pertains to federal protection (different from registered trademark).
3. Contract law covers written warranties or their implied warranties.
4. Liability law pertains to responsibilities or obligations of writers especially claims they
made on their paper.
Principles of Ethical Communication
Technical writers are like researchers. Both take into considerations the bounds and
limitations to things that they write. They carefully study the information to be presented and
they are aware that prudence has to be exercised.
Do’s of Technical Communication
Abide by relevant laws.
Abide by the appropriate corporate or professional code of conduct.
Tell the truth.
Be clear.
Avoid discriminatory language.
Acknowledge assistance from others.
Don’ts of Technical Communication
False implications – assuming the outcome of a project or making sweeping
generalizations
Exaggerations – expressing situations in extreme proportions
Euphemisms – writing about situations in seemingly good conditions even though they are
not.
Don’t mislead your readers.
THE WRITING PROCESS
Pre-writing Stage. It is what the writer does before he writes the first draft. In this stage, the
writer composes or supplies information pertaining to:
a. Purpose of the paper. This is necessary to determine the content of the paper to be
included, the organization and style of the paper.
b. Choice of topic. A writer has to explain or justify his/her chosen topic.
FSPANGINEN | ELJMC: Excellence, Leadership, and Justice
MAJORSHIP REVIEW: TECHNICAL WRITING
c. Gathering information. A writer must be able to find sources of information to enrich
his/her topic.
Pre-writing techniques:
Below are some techniques which will help you get started in writing:
1. Keep a writer’s journal by recording personal experiences, perceptions, and ideas.
2. Do free writing. Write about whatever comes to mind.
3. Brainstorm by listing ideas as quickly as they occur. Page | 4
4. Cluster by drawing lines and circles to show connections between ideas. It is also called
webbing or making connections.
5. Ask questions using the news reporter’s 5W’s – Who? What? Where? Why? When? And
How?
6. Read with focus. This entails reading efficiently to locate and collect specific information.
7. Listen with focus. This means listening efficiently to locate and collect specific information.
8. Observe by noticing details around you through the senses.
9. Imagine. Probe your imagination of ideas, often use a “What if?” approach.
Writing Stage. This stage is where we begin to write our first draft. We know that not
everything that we write is perfect at the first go. Hence, you must remember what to do and
what not to do during this stage.
Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a First Draft
1. Don’t overanalyse your writing.
2. Do not feel free to follow the flow of ideas where it is leading you, even if it is not what you
initially planned.
3. Don’t exaggerated details.
4. Do work on the details as much as possible to keep the story fresh in your mind.
5. Don’t worry yet about how good your writing is.
6. Do have fun!
Re-Writing Stage
This stage is also known as the “revision” stage. We revise to ensure that:
1. the content of the paper is relevant;
2. there is organization and coherence in the arrangement of the ideas; and
3. grammar and mechanics are clearly observed.
WRITING BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE
Lesson 1: Communication in Business and Organization
Communication in Business
Effective communication is the key to success in business. That is why business depends
so much on communication. People must communicate to plan products; hire, train, and
motivate workers; coordinate manufacturing and delivery; persuade customers to buy; and bill
them for sale (Locker, 2006). Certainly, communication can’t be set apart from business for it
gives life and light to any business transactions.
However, presently, according to Steimle (2017)), many entrepreneurs become more
estranged from their teams, turn off partners, and lose deals all because they lack basic
communication skills. Often, this lack of skill gets passed down to teams and the problems are
perpetuated through the organization. Indeed, great knowledge on proper and effective
communication skills in business and in organization is vital.
Basically, business communication refers to how people communicate, whereas
organizational communication deals with whom to communicate. Understanding the
requirements of good business communication, developing good communication skills, and
understanding the channels of communication in your organization will ensure success in your
career (Custodio et. al.,2013).
Communication in business is a two-way process that follows the common communication
process of sending and receiving messages. However, business communication differs on the
medium for it uses paper, pen, typewriter, or computer to make the message tangible to the
receiver.
Communication in Organization
FSPANGINEN | ELJMC: Excellence, Leadership, and Justice
MAJORSHIP REVIEW: TECHNICAL WRITING
An organization according to Rosales et. al. (2009) is comprised of people who are
committed to a common goal and are ready to share information and resources of pursuit of a
desired goal. Communication in organization is relaying messages or information between or
among people inside and outside an organization.
There are several written documents needed to run an organization. Every single
document has one or more of the three basic functions of organizational writing which is to | 5
Page
inform, to promote goodwill, or to persuade.
To inform
Basic
Function
s od
To persuade To promote goodwill
The following internal and external documents are some of the specific documents needed
in an organization (Adapted from Locker, 2006)
Table 1: Internal Documents Produced in One Organization
Document Description of document Purpose(s) of documents
Transmittal Memo accompanying Inform: persuade reader to
document, telling why it’s read document; build image
being forwarded to the and goodwill
receiver
Monthly or Report summarizing Inform: build image and good
quarterly report profitability, productivity, will (report is accurate,
and problems during period. complete; writer understands
Used to plan activity for company)
next month or quarter
Performance Evaluation of an employee’s Inform: persuade employee to
appraisal performance, with improve
recommended areas for
improvement or
recommendation for
promotion
Memo of Congratulations to Promote goodwill
congratulations employees who have won
awards, been promoted, or
earned community
recognition.
Table 2: External Documents Produced in One Organization
Document Description of document Purposes(s) of document
Quotation Letter giving price for a Inform: promote goodwill
specific product, fabrication, (price reasonable
or service
Claim/adjustment Letter granting or denying Inform: promote goodwill
customer request to be
given credit for defective
goods
Annual report Report to stockholders Inform: persuade stockholders
summarizing financial to retain stock and others to
information for year. buy; build goodwill (company
is a good corporate citizen)
Thank you letter
Formal and Informal Channels of Communication
There are two basic structure that make up the communication channels of an
organization:
FSPANGINEN | ELJMC: Excellence, Leadership, and Justice
MAJORSHIP REVIEW: TECHNICAL WRITING
1. Formal channel of communication follows the usual pattern of an organizational chart
where the superiors are classified from the subordinates through connecting the lines of
communications to every member of the organization.
2. Informal channel of communication follows an unstructured channel of communication
where the lines and patterns of the organization are vague. This is sometimes referred as
grapevine because it usually relays more information than the formal communication
through chismis or rumor-mongering. Page | 6
Lesson 2: Personal and Business Letters
Personal Letters
Despite the numerous changes on how people communicate, traditional letter writing
remains the best way to communicate among persons.
There are two basic kinds of letter, the personal and the business letters. The two
extremely differ from each other in terms of their nature, purpose, scope, structure, formality,
size, and language.
Personal letter is a written type of communication of an individual to another concerning
personal or family affairs rather than business matters. This kind of letter does not follow certain
rules or structures and uses a less formal wording or colloquial language. An example of a
personal letter is a birthday greeting given to someone whom we know personally who is
celebrating his special day. Personal letter maintains and develops personal relationships with
people whom you consider a friend or a family. Lastly, this type of letter can be type-written or
handwritten depending on the length of the content.
Business Letters
Business letter is a formal type of written letter concerning business transactions and
other business related issues and information. This kind of letter must adhere to certain rules,
restrictions, and formats and must use a formal language. In addition, an effective business
letter should sound like a person talking to another person. An example of this is an application
letter written by an applicant who is interested in a vacant job. Finally, a business letter is
commonly written on an 8 ½ x 11 inch-size clean bond paper. It follows certain margin and free
from dirt and scratches in order to build a good impression to the reader.
PERSONAL VERSUS BUSINESS LETTERS
The Business Communication page posted eleven (11) comparisons of personal letter and
business letter.
1. Nature: Business letter or commercial letter is impersonal and universal in nature.
Personal letter is fully personal in nature.
2. Purpose: Business letter is exchanging various business-related issues and information.
Personal letter is exchanging personal or family-related affairs and information. Personal
letter is exchanging personal or family-related affairs and information.
3. Scope: Business letter scope is wide and contains various types of business information.
Personal letter scope is limited and contains only personal information.
4. Structure: Business letter follows officially recognized structure. Personal letter does not
follow any recognized structure.
5. Formality: Business letter maintains formal rules and procedure. Personal letter is
informal.
6. Size: Business letter generally is concise in size and avoids irrelevant matter. Personal
letter may be concise or large in size.
7. Types: Business letter can be categorized differently. Personal letter generally cannot be
categorized.
8. Salutation: Business letter salutation can be Sir, Dear, Dear Mr. X, etc. Personal letter
salutations are Dear friends, my dear x, dear x, etc.
9. Language: Business letter language should be easy and simple. Personal letter language
may be easy, poetic, emotional, etc.
10.Copy: Business letter copy of business letter should always be preserved. Personal letter
copy of personal letter may or may not be preserved.
FSPANGINEN | ELJMC: Excellence, Leadership, and Justice
MAJORSHIP REVIEW: TECHNICAL WRITING
11.Method: Business letter uses direct and persuasive method. Personal letter uses only
direct method.
Whether you are writing a personal or a business letter , the way you construct the
message and the way the receiver decodes the message are very important.
Page | 7
The Technique of Writing Business Letters
To make your letters effective in terms of today’s business world, you should understand
and make use of four basic psychological techniques according to Mager and Mager (1968):
1. Write from the “you” attitude. Every person is interested primarily in himself and thus
responds to a letter written from his point of view. To test the effectiveness of your letter
on this point, count the number of I’s and you’s in your letter and let them compare. A
good letter should have a preponderance of you’s and a minimum of I’s. but more than
this, your letter should have the reader’s viewpoint in mind throughout the text.
Compare:
I : I was happy to hear that my letter of January 5 th provided sufficient information for
the completion of the order for us.
You :Thank you for your assurance that you had sufficient information for the completion
of your order.
2. Accentuate the positive. Even a letter that has to say “No” can be written from a positive
point of view. Make it an absolute rule never to start or end your letter with a negative.
Whenever possible, avoid words with a negative connotation, such as argument, careless,
complaint, disagreeable, error, neglect, and unfair.
Compare:
Positive: Thank you for your order. The merchandise will go out to you as soon as…
Negative: We regret to inform you that we will not be able to ship your order until…
3. Make your letter smile. A business letter should leave a pleasant impression. Get a smile
into your letter, a bit of your personality, an atmosphere of good will. A sour letter, piqued
attitude, complaining understone, is comparable to a surly manner in your conversation.
Some phrases have a built-in smile. Here are some friendly phrases that you can
and should use freely:
We shall be glad to…
It is a pleasure…
Thank you…
We appreciate very much…
With our compliments…
4. Make your copy live. The reader should feel what you say. If possible, create a visual
experience. Let the reader see himself doing something-running a machine, telling his
friends about his triumphs, selling more accounts, reinterpreted the same copy.
Characteristics and Elements of a Business Letter
The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of light of letters, is simplicity. - Walt
Whitman
Characteristics of a Business Letter
Business letter is one of the vital components in the success of a business. To ensure that
we are writing an effective business letter, there are "Ten (10) Cs" we should consider.
1. Completeness refers to the inclusion of complete information. The business letter should
answer the question WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, and HOW to produce a good and
complete business letter.
2. Correctness refers to the correct grammar, punctuation, spacing, information, and
structure. It also refer to the correct format of a business letter.
To attain correctness, double check the spelling of the names, address letters properly,
verify numbers and amounts, always check the dictionary.
FSPANGINEN | ELJMC: Excellence, Leadership, and Justice
MAJORSHIP REVIEW: TECHNICAL WRITING
3. Conciseness refers to being direct and brief without compromising the complete idea. In
writing a business letter, we should not include unnecessary information which might
confuse the reader.
Example:
Instead of saying: At the present time
Say: now
Instead of saying: Prior to Page | 8
Say: before
Instead of saying: Pitch in
Say: join to
Instead of saying: Start from scratch
Say: make new from nothing
Instead of saying: Meet the deadline
Say: complete the job
4. Coherence refers to the smooth flow of ideas in business letter. The content of a business
letter should be in order and easy to follow.
Some of the devices that you may use to achieve coherence are use of synonyms,
use of transitional words, easy use of pointers, use of repetition of words, and use of
sentence patterns.
5. Clarity refers to readability of information which is to understand. We should bear in our
minds that simple words are more preferred than complex ones.
6. Concreteness refers to the use of specific words not general words.
Example:
Instead of saying: Return of investment
Say: profit
Instead of saying: Market penetration
Say: successful selling
7. Courteousness refers to the politeness of the tone of the business letter. Being friendly
by showing positive approach is the key for a successful communication in business.
Below are some examples of the negative and positive word. But then again,
positive words are more preferred in doing business.
Negative Positive
bad good
sad glad
old new
hard easy
slow fast
disagree agree
delay early
demand request
8. Consideration refers to the use of professional tone to show respect to the reader of the
letter. Also, we need to anticipate the "YOU" attitude in writing our letter.
Example:
Instead of saying: We are glad to offer you the best services.
Say: You will be pleased to find must-try services in our branch near you.
9. Consistency refers to the uniformity of the time and style of the writer of a business
letter.
10.Credibility refers to the personality of the writer as himself which might reflect on his
writings.
Elements of a Business Letter
Because business letter is part of communication, it also follows the communication
process. There are three elements in the communication process that are also present in
business writing. There should be a sender, message, and receiver.
The sender of the letter is the one who is writing it. It is one of the protocols in business
writing that the receiver of the letter should be known by the sender. The complete name,
position, as well as the address of the receiver should be included in the letter. The sender or
FSPANGINEN | ELJMC: Excellence, Leadership, and Justice
MAJORSHIP REVIEW: TECHNICAL WRITING
writer must be also knowledgeable in basic grammar, punctuation, spelling, and mechanics skills
so that he might build a good impression to the receiver of the letter.
The message is very important in the communication process because it is the reason that
moves the sender to start the communication process. The message of the letter should be well-
written, simple, and understandable. The message should be direct and persuasive and should
avoid including unnecessary information. It should be concise and complete so that everything
you want to say is included. Page | 9
Sender Message Receiver
Lastly, the receiver of the letter completes the elements of communication process. The
main role of the receiver is to carefully decode the message of a business letter and provide a
feedback that will complete the entire communication process.
BASIC AND OPTIONAL PARTS OF A BUSINESS LETTER
In an age like ours, which is not given to letter-writing, not forget what importance it used to play
in people's lives. -Anatole Bropard
Basic Parts of a Business Letter
A business letter is composed of the following basic part letterhead or heading, dateline,
inside address, salutation, body of the letter, complimentary close, signature line, and write
signature.
1. Letterhead - This part of a business letter includes the company, company name,
company mailing address, and contact numbers. It may also contain the company logo or
symbol of the organization. Today, most of the companies have their own personalized
letterhead exclusive for the employees' use.
In case you will write a business letter not on behalf of any company, you may use a
heading or a return address. A heading/return address is composed of your complete,
correct, and specific address. In writing the heading of your business letter, the lot and
block number, street, barangay, municipality or city, province, region, and even the zip
code must be included properly.
2. Dateline - This part contains the month, day, and year when the business letter was
written. There are certain rules in writing the correct dateline:
A. You should not use abbreviations when writing the dateline. For example, 10-13-92 or
10-13-1992 or 10/13/92 or Oct. 13, 1992.
B. You should not include st, nd, or th after the day of the month. For example,
September 1", October 2nd, or November 3rd.
C. You may use the conventional style, January 15, 2007 or the military style, 15 January
2007.
3. Inside Address. This part consists of three, four or five lines which include the complete
name as well as the job title/s of the receiver on the first line, the complete position of the
receiver on the second line, the complete division or department of the receiver on the
fourth line, and the complete name of the company or organization followed by the
complete address of the company or organization. There are certain rules that are worth
considering in writing the inside address:
A. The inside address is like the address written on the envelope.
B. You use Miss when addressing a single woman; Mrs. Of married woman. If the status is
not known, use Ms. If the firm is comprised of women; use Mesdames or its
abbreviation Mmes.
C. Use Mr. in addressing a man. You may also use its plural form Messieurs (French) or its
abbreviation Messrs.
D. You may abbreviate the title Doctor to Dr. For example, Dr. Silvia C. Ambag.
E. The title Reverend should not be abbreviated and it should be preceded by The. For
example, The Reverend Sonny Ramirez.
F. You may or may not abbreviate the title Professor. For example,
Professor Danilova A. Lorenzo
Or
Prof. Danilova A. Lorenzo
But if only surname is available, the title should not be abbreviated. For example,
Professor Lorenzo
G. Company or organization positions such as Supervisor, Manager, Secretary,
Superintendent, Proprietor or even President may either precede or follow the name of
the receiver of the letter. For example,
FSPANGINEN | ELJMC: Excellence, Leadership, and Justice
MAJORSHIP REVIEW: TECHNICAL WRITING
Ms. Armie Joie A. Rivera
Proprietress
Elysian Events Specialist
Or
Ms. Armie Joie A. Rivera, Proprietress
Elysian Events Specialist
H. The title Honorable is used by Judges of the Court Members of the Cabinet,
Congressmen, Senators or important other government officials who hold an important Page | 10
position and office in the city, province, or country. You may or may not abbreviate the
title Honorable. For example,
Honorable Rodrigo R. Duterte
Or
Hon. Rodrigo R. Duterte
4. Salutation is composed of the word "Dear" followed by the last name of the receiver of
the letter. Use the colon (American English) at the end of the salutation or comma (British
English). For example.
Dear Mr. Alcaraz:
Or
Dear Mr. Dela Cruz,
5. Body of the Letter. This consists the message of the writer. Some claim that the first
and last sentences are the most important parts of the body of the letter. The first
sentence should make the reader feel at ease and the last sentence should make the
reader pleased and content.
6. Complimentary Close - This is sometimes called closing., the part where sender says
goodbye to the receiver of the letter in a formal way. You may use the standard
complimentary close such as Sincerely or Sincerely yours or Respectfully or Very
respectfully yours. We should take note that the first letter of the first word is the only
capitalized letter on the complimentary close.
7. Signature Line. This is composed of the complete typewritten name of the writer and his
official designation, or the name of the company.
Very formal or legal: Miguel Rodriguez Galit
Less formal or business: Miguel Galit
Miguel R. Galit
For Married Signature: Truly yours,
Or Daily Dellosa
(Mrs.) Daisy A. Dellosa
President
For Unmarried Signature: Very respectfully yours,
Or Nora Alvarez
(Miss) Nora T. Alvarez
Supervisor
For Company Responsibility: Sincerely yours
Elysian Events Specialist
8. Written Signature - This refers to the sender clearly scribing or affixing his specimen
signature on the space between the complimentary close and the printed name. Allot
enough space (3-4 spaces) for this between the complimentary close and the signature
line. The signature part also follows certain rules:
Optional Parts Of A Business Letter
1. Attention Line - This is used when the letter urgently needs to be received by the best
person who can handle it. Commonly, the attention line is at the center.
For example: Elysian Events Specialist
San Mateo, Rizal
Attention: Miss Armie Joie A. Rivera
FSPANGINEN | ELJMC: Excellence, Leadership, and Justice
MAJORSHIP REVIEW: TECHNICAL WRITING
2. Subject Line - This is used in short reports to let the reader know the content of the letter
immediately. It may be placed above or below the inside address; maybe flushed to the
left, indented, or centered.
For example: Elysian Events Specialist
San Mateo, Rizal
Subject: Inquiry on Wedding Package Page | 11
3. Identification Initials or Reference Initials - This includes the initials of the secretary
or typist who took the dictation in lower case and initials of the one who dictated or
dictator in upper case placed at the lower left hand corner of the letter two spaces below
the last line of the signature part.
For example: EAG/ jtd
Or EAG: go
4. Enclosed or enclosed reference or enclosure notation- This is composed of the
attached materials on the letter. This is usually abbreviated Incl. and placed below the
reference initials.
For example: Inc 1. Grade Sheets
2. Class Records
3. Anecdotal Records
5. Copy Notation - This consists the names or department of other people who also
received the letter.
5.1. Carbon Copy Notation (cc) - This notation is indicated on the original copy and all
the duplicate copies.
For example: cc: Mr. John Paolo Sarce
cc: Human Resource Department
5.2. Blind Carbon Copy Notation (bcc) This is a notation not indicated on the original
copy but indicated on all duplicate copies.
For example: bcc: Miss Sarrah Mae Amata
6. Mailing Notation - This notation refers to the special postal services such as air mail,
special delivery, or registered mail.
BUSINESS LETTERS PUNCTUATIONS AND STYLES
Changing writing styles is like an actor taking on a different part. -Ed McBain
Punctuations Used in Business Letters
There are three ways on how to punctuate our business letters. We can use Open
Punctuation, Standard Punctuation, and Mixed Punctuation.
1. Open Punctuation
In writing a business letter, open punctuation does not include any punctuation
after any part of the letter except the body of the letter or the message.
2. Standard Punctuation
This is the most common style of punctuating a business letter which includes
punctuation on salutation and complimentary close only. The punctuation on salutation is
colon while on complimentary close, it's comma.
3. Mixed Punctuation
This format uses comma (British Style) or colon (American Style) after the salutation
and uses comma after the complimentary close.
A Sample Application Letter
101 Rosal St., Roberto Homes,
Barangka Drive, Mandaluyong City
May 28, 2017
DR. CONCHITA DE GUZMAN
Director
Philippine Science High School-Main Campus
FSPANGINEN | ELJMC: Excellence, Leadership, and Justice
MAJORSHIP REVIEW: TECHNICAL WRITING
Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Dear Dr. De Guzman:
Good day.
With great interest, I would like to apply for the position of full-time English teacher of Philippine
Science High School. Furthermore, working in a prestigious school like Philippine Science High Page | 12
School is really a great opportunity.
I graduated at Polytechnic University of the Philippines last 2015 with a degree of Bachelor of
Secondary Education major in English. After graduating, I reviewed for the Licensure Examination
for Teachers (LET) at the Philippine Normal University (PNU) and passed the board examination
at the same year.
I appreciate your honorable consideration for my application. I am always prepared to be
interviewed anytime which is convenient for you.
The accompanying resume may serve to provide you with greater details of my background and
what I can offer.
Thank you very much for reading my letter.
Very respectfully yours,
Eliz Navarro
Applicant
Reference: Rosales, M. (2019). Technical Writing: a Resource Guide to Writing Across Discipline. Quezon City: Lorimar
Publishing House.
FSPANGINEN | ELJMC: Excellence, Leadership, and Justice