The Introduction of Business Letters
1.1 The Definition of a Business Letter
A business letter,differing from a personal letter,is written with the aim of transacting some particular business.As a kind of goal-oriented writing,a business letter can be defined as the letter used to support the goal of buying and selling goods or service in business communication.It is the principal means used by a business firm to keep in touch with its customers and partners.
1.2 The Functions of a Business Letter
Generally speaking,a good business letter has the following basic functions:
·to obtain or to convey information；
·to make or to accept an offer；
·to deal with various business activities.
According to the above functions,business letters are always informative, persuasive,motivational and promotional.
1.3 Basic Qualifications to the Writer
As a formal way of communicating with trade partners,business letter writing really calls for the clear and concise language instead of flowery language to express the writer's views accurately,catch the readers'attention and persuade them into believing what the writer said.So the writer should always bear in mind that he or she is just going to have a talk with readers friendly and courteously.In view of this, the writer should have:
·a good command of standard modern English；
·all kinds of social knowledge；
·knowledge of technical terms；
·knowledge of social psychology；
·knowledge of various professions,such as business theory and practice, management,etc.