The late Princess Diana was an expert at writing thank you notes and once said in an interview that not enough people write letters of appreciation. Diana took it upon herself to pen kind, personal notes to others when the occasion called for it. The “People’s Princess” surely understood how good communication is powerful and can go a long way. If you want to express your gratitude but just can’t find the words then read on for recommendations on composing a sincere thank you letter.
The Classic Etiquette Rules Live On
According to Emily Post, the queen of good manners, a socialite, and author who wrote about proper etiquette, “good manners reflect something from inside – an innate sense of consideration for others and respect for self.”
Emily Post was born into a wealthy family but believed that kindness and good breeding were open to anyone who wanted to practice the art of good speech, charm, manners, etc.
Today, those old-fashioned values live on, and writing a sincere thank you letter is one way to start.
It’s Never Too Late To Say ‘Thanks’
The Emily Post Institute says that you should write a thank you note as soon as you can. However, if you are late in penning a letter to express your appreciation, that’s alright, too.
A thank you note is always better than no note at all, say the Emily Post professionals.
Handwritten VS Computer Screen; Does It Matter?
In today’s advanced world of high-tech everything, some folks take to their computer screen to write a note of thanks. However, this method lacks warmth and even personality.
Handwritten letters deliver sincerity, graciousness, and thoughtfulness. It means that you have taken the time to pen a thank you expression by hand, put a postage stamp on it, and seal it in an envelope.
Many people appreciate the gesture and enjoy opening thank you letters they receive in the mail.
Stationery Can Play An Elegant and Important Role
The paper you choose also matters whether you are running a business, working for a company, or writing letters from home. Personalized stationery such as embossed cards can take your handwritten notes to the next level.
The right stationery has quality paper, beautiful lettering and reflects your style and personality. People notice when you’ve taken the time to send a sincere thank you letter that also looks elegant, special, and classic.
Make It A Brief Note and “Speak” Directly
To create a sincere letter of thanks, the Emily Post Institute has some tips:
1. Use a salutation according to how well you know the individual. For a formal/professional person, use “Dear Mr. Smith” as an example. For a good friend, use their first name, initials, or nickname.
2. The first sentence should thank the person for their gift or service. One way to write this would be to say, “I am so thankful/grateful for…” or “I want to say how much I appreciated…”
3. In the second sentence, tell the recipient about the effort they put into the item or service they gave you, and express what this means to your relationship.
4. A third sentence is optional, and you can add future actions or directions from sentence #2.
5. For the fourth sentence in your thank you letter, you can repeat the thanks or offer a concluding thought.
6. Choose a closing that’s either formal/professional as in Sincerely.
For a professional/social closing, you could write Best regards, Respectfully yours, Cordially, etc.
To use a social/personal closing, you could end with Yours truly, Warmly, With great affection, With love, etc.
Always Focus On A Fun And Honest Sentiment
Don’t let writing a thank you note trip you up. Some people feel intimidated by the process or don’t have the right writing materials.
Be prepared. Have a quality box of stationery, and shoot for kindness, appreciation, and honesty.
A thank you note should be sent for a wedding shower gift, wedding gift, congratulatory gift, a gift received during an illness, for a condolence note/gift, etc.
Just about every person on the planet will appreciate a handwritten note of thanks. It helps to distinguish yourself and speaks volumes about taking the time to acknowledge another.
