GUIDELINES
- You should give personal advice only when someone sincerely asks for it. Even then, you should be careful and sensitive about what you say.
- Explain that you are replying to a request for advice about a problem.
- Suggest a course of action.
- Give reasons to support your opinion. Explain why you feel that it's a suitable course of action.
- Make the reader feel comfortable by saying that there is no obligation for him/her to follow your advice.
- End with an expression of confidence and encouragement.
SAMPLE LETTER
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Letter Date]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-
Dear [Recipients Name],
After talking to you yesterday afternoon, I found myself always thinking about the dilemma you said you are undergoing. I regret that I was not able to tell you this when we were together but, perhaps, you will find more answers if you look for them to God and open your mind to the spiritual. You can always approach your pastor for more guidance as I am sure he will be more than happy to help you. We should never neglect the power of prayer in changing the course of our lives for the better. It has done wonders for me in the past and has always given me peace in trying times.
I wish you all the best and hope that things start to pick up for you soon. I am always here, please don't hesitate to give me a call if you need to talk to someone.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Letter giving advice about dealing with a personal dilemma.
Further things to consider when writing advice letters to friends
Advice Letters
Advice letters are letters meant to give recommendations or guidance concerning prudent future action. Typically, these letters are written by a person who is regarded as knowledgeable or authoritative. Advice letters can be from a company to clients, managers to subordinates, or employee to employee. People write advice letters to help others make informed decisions and avoid bad actions. Some of the situations where you may want to offer advice through a letter include giving guidance on how to choose a career, advising clients on the best products, or advising a friend on how to deal with an issue. You may also send a letter to a subordinate to advice about certain behavior at work, etc.
When writing advice letters, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First things first, state the reason for this letter and maintain a formal and truthful tone. Communicate the advice being asked of you clearly and precisely, making sure that there is nothing that the reader can hold against you. State why you think it is important that the reader follows your suggestion. Where necessary, quote references you have consulted. Before closing the letter, you can ask for a reply.
Letters to Friends
Letters to friends are letters you write to people with whom you have a bond of mutual affection. These letters are like conversations and can be just about anything. They could be thank-you letters to thank your friends, congratulation letters to congratulate them, apology letters to say sorry, condolence letters to comfort the bereaved, etc. You could also write to your friends to share general information such as school and family news, what has been happening in your town, or just tell funny stories. Letters are special and show the other person that you are thinking about him/her. The recipient can keep the letters for years and read them over and over again.
Letters to friends are personal and are usually addressed to specific individuals. Since the recipient is a person with whom you have a close relationship, the salutation is more personal and less formal. Greet the recipient warmly and proceed to stating the reason for your letter. Share some information about yourself. Maintain a polite and friendly tone. End your letter on a note of anticipation to seeing the recipient soon or reading from him/her. You can also add a postscript for something you forgot to say.
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