Page 67 - Today’s Business Communication; A How-to Guide for the Modern Professional

56 TODAY’S BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Sample Message Requesting Information

To: Jason Snyder
From: Robert Forbus
Date: January 2, 2014
Subject: Textbook stories for chapter 8

Happy New Year, Jason—

I should probably remember, but I have forgotten whether I am
responsible for the interviews and stories in chapter 8 of the text-
book, or whether you took that job on. Please let me know today, if
at all possible. If they are my responsibility, I’d like to finish them by
Monday, January 6.

Best—
Robert

Notice that there is a salutation (Happy New Year, Jason —) and a
complimentary close (Best —); while this may seem overly formal to you,
we remind you that this chapter is devoted to the topic of building and
maintaining positive relationships through business communication. The
dean in the business school where Robert teaches sets a good example
for faculty to follow in her emails, which frequently request information.
She always uses a salutation and a complimentary close. And, she always
writes with a “you” focus rather than an “I” focus, that is, she writes with
the reader in mind.

Writing a Recommendation Message

At a certain point in your career, you will be in a position to write letters
of recommendation for coworkers or direct reports who are seeking
admission into graduate school or applying for a job. These letters are
really important and require careful thought, planning, writing, revising,
and proofreading prior to sending.
There are certain legal considerations that you should be aware of,
and an explanation of them can frequently be acquired through the HR
department at your place of employment. If your organization is small,
and doesn’t have an HR office, a quick eb search will yield valuable infor-