Читать книгу Instant Business Letters - Iain Maitland, Iain Maitland - Страница 15

You should select watermarked, A4-sized paper (or 8½ x 11 inches for U.S. businesspeople) for your letters – ideally it will match the envelopes so that a neat and unified image is put across. Half-sized A5 paper (U.S. equivalent would be 4 X 6 inches) can be used for shorter letters such as acknowledgements, assuming that you have smaller envelopes as well. It is important that the paper and envelope fit together properly, maintaining that complementary and coordinated impression.

You will have to use common sense to decide whether to type or write the letter by hand. A typed letter is more formal and professional in appearance, whereas a handwritten one is more personal, which may be appropriate on some occasions, such as when you have to apologise, offer condolences or thank someone. Whatever your choice, letters must be neat and easy to read. Tidy, error-free text is essential, as are paragraphs of similar size and generous margins at the top, sides and bottom. Fold each sheet into a third and third again, rather than into quarters; this ensures that it will be less creased and more attractive when removed from the envelope.