Complaint letters
Complaint letters are one of many types of letters. They are intended to address an issue or complaint of any matter within the body of the letter. Therefore, writers should be aware that complaint letters portray a negative message to the reader.
Basic Elements of Letters
- Header or Letterhead
- Date
- Recipient's Address
- Salutation or Greeting
- Introductory Paragraph
- Body Paragraphs
- Concluding Paragraphs
- Closing Phrase
- Signature
- Page Headers
***Before you write a complaint letter consider the ideal way of conveying a negative message within a letter. (Below)
Negative Messages
- Prepare the reader for the negative message.
- Clearly state the negative-once.
- Present alternatives, compromises, solutions, or possible actions if they exist.
- End with a positive, forward-looking statement.
"Negative letters are perhaps the most difficult to write, but a clearly written and well-organized letter can minimize a reader's negative feeling toward you." (Dobrin, Keller, & Weisser, 2008)
I think that you did a good job on your post. It’s clear and concise. I think that you included all of the most important things about complaint letters. I like how you listed the basic elements of letters and steps how to state negative messages. It is extremely important to complain in the nicest possible way. When writing a compliant letter you have to be really nice even though you may be really mad in reality. It is also important to use proper language. You don’t want to be rude when writing a complaint letter. These are just things that I think are important to mention when talking about complaint letters.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a good job describing the parts of a complaint letter. The bullet points make it much easier to read and get the important information. I much rather read something short and to the point than something long and complex. Its much easier to grasp the info this way. Good job.
ReplyDeleteAnthony,
ReplyDeleteNice job on this week's blog post. I also agree with what Magda stated as other key points to complaint letters that maybe could have been included. With that said however, I do also agree with Brennan that reading something short and concise is sometimes more helpful and what a writer wants when looking for tips to certain topics.
I liked the fact that you included an introduction to your blog before starting in on your points. The only thing I keep hoping for and looking for, however, are some examples to certain points you mention. They may seem self explanatory but aren't always that way. For example; what should the header include and look like, or a letterhead, and when should a writer use just a header and when should both be used? I personally look for examples to help me be sure I am doing something correctly, which is why I keep mentioning examples and further commenting on the points you present. So if I were reading your blog for help on complaint letters I'd be hoping to see an example of how to state a negative message, just to have an idea for my own benefit. With all that said though I do think you did a great job and I like the quote you included, nice job Anthony!