Writing a letter

Paper and pen
To obtain a good result it is important to choose the correct type of writing paper: smooth and thin paper is more appropriate for formal communications, whilst the rougher versions are used for personal or family related messages, allows the use of a fountain a pen and is recommended if it is written with pictorial characters.
Letterhead paper should be very sober and free from drawings and any other kind of frill. The name, surname, address and telephone number should appear on the top right hand corner of the sheet of paper.
It is important not to use the company letterhead paper for private correspondence, even if you are the owner or director of that company. When writing a letter, it is a good rule to use either black or blue ink.
Avoid using red or green ink pens. Hand written letters are always the most refined and personal but these days, type writers and computers are becoming more and more widely used: the important thing, however, is that the signature remains hand written. Congratulations and condolence cards should always and only be hand written.

Date
he date is normally written on the on the top right hand side but may also be acceptable if it appears on the lower left hand side of the sheet of paper below the entire body of the letter and signature.

Head-line
The letter is started with the starting-line of the addressee and by choosing the most appropriate format:
- if the relationship is a friendship: dear friend or dear Giuseppe
- if the relationship is courteous but formal: kind friend, kind sir, kindest friend
- if the letter is addressed to somebody with the same level of education: dear sir, dear professor
- if the letter is addressed to a business partner: "distinguished engineer" if the person writing the letter is a male, "kind/dear engineer" if the person writing the letter is a woman.
- If the letter is addressed to a firm: Messrs Firm
- Remember "Signora" is never abbreviated.

The text
The text should be very simple without and one should not worrying about the letter being too long or too short. The important thing is the clarity with which it is written, in other words, express yourself with clarity.

Ending
There are no set rules for the final greetings. For professional situations, "Kindest regards" is usually used, leave a few lines then add the signature with name and surname. For courteous or friendship letters, one may choose from the following: "With affection", "Warm greetings" etc. followed by the signature. Avoid extending the greetings to the wife or husband of the addressee.

The signature
There are two simple rules: it must be legible and the Christian name must be written before the surname. Avoid adding professional titles to a signature. When writing to a friend, a signature composed of just the Christian name is sufficient. Avoid the addition of a "P.S." as this is not used so much these days. Post cards should be signed with both the Christian name and surname. The inclusion of a simple but silly line is always appreciated.

The envepope
The sheet of writing paper should be folded in such a way that the starting-line appears towards the outside. Never leave any marks of smudges on the sheet of paper. The address should be written on the lower right hand side of the envelope. The addressee is to appear first, then below it, the street name and number, below it, the post code and location. On the first line "Dear", "Distinct" or "Dr" etc are often used. For letters that are addressed to someone staying at another persons house, below the name of the addressee add "c/o" (care off) and then the name and surname of the owner of the house. When writing to a couple, write the name of the woman first.

Seal and sealing-wax
These represent a refined and sought after touch and are available in the more exclusive stationer's shops. The sealing-wax is melted with the heat source at the back of the envelope. A few drops will be sufficient. A couple of extra drops may be needed for the centre and, just before it cools down, the seal is completed by adding the initials. The effect will be extraordinary.

Quick delivery
Apart from the normal type stamped mail that is based on certain price-lists, "priority mail" is another way of ensuring that your mail gets to the destination promptly. This type of postage guarantees that the mail will reach its destination within twenty four hours. Otherwise, the "pony express" courier service may be used which will normally require just a few hours to deliver the mail.

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