Sandra E. Lamb: Writing Personal Notes

How To...Write a Personal Note

(A version of this article appeared in Woman's Day October 5, 1999)

Personal notes have the power to increase a friend's joy for a happy occasion, or add comfort in sorrow. In How to Write It: A Complete Guide to Everything You'll Ever Write, I emphasize these points for writing them:

Focus on the person you're writing to before you start.
Think about how your friend feels about the occasion or event, and try to make a real connection with her.
Hand write your note.

Congratulations notes

In our hurry-up world, they are becoming all-too rare, so if you send one, yours may make a lasting impression. Any joyous occasion will do: a personal or business achievement like acceptance into a club or a job promotion; a family event like marriage, birth, or an anniversary; or a religious event. Here are some tips:

Write immediately, or as soon as you hear the good news.
State the good news in the first sentence or two.
Say "Congratulations" early.
Connect the person to the achievement.
Keep your message focused on your reader, and consistent with your relationship to her.
Make sure your note has the ring of sincerity.
Keep it short, three to six sentences.

Here's an example.

Susan,
Alicia just told me you're now Sales Manager. Congratulations! I'm so happy that all your long hours and innovative ideas have paid off. You'll do wonderful job. Great Waves is fortunate to ahave you!
Sandy

Thank You notes

Connect both your friend and you to the gift or deed in expressing your thanks.

Here's an example:

I've deposited your very generous check in my college fund. I'll use the money to purchase an alarm clock, so I expect I may experience mixed emotions when I hear it go off. But I'll always think fondly of you for your gift. Thank you.

Sympathy notes

Consider the reader's relationship to the sad event, express your sorrow, add comfort, and when appropriate, offer help.

The very best personal notes are the "no occasion" ones that simply say "I'm thinking about you." Take a minute to write one to someone today!

For more on writing that special personal note, you may want to pre-order Sandra E. Lamb's upcoming book, Personal Notes: How to Write from the Heart for Any Occasion, coming on May 1, 2003 from St. Martin's Press. It is a guide to reinvigorating the art of writing personal notes and letters. This little book includes a wealth of advice, inspiration, and examples for anyone who wants to add flair, voice, and plain old fun to their notes and letters--as well as for anyone who wants to know the etiquette of when and what to write.

Using colorful examples and practical advice, this book covers thank yous, congratulations, engagements and weddings, birthdays and anniversaries, births and adoptions, love notes, illness and accidents, divorce, condolence, regrets, apologies, and forgiveness. It's the perfect book for anyone who wants to rekindle the joy of putting pen to paper.

ISBN: 0-312-30418-8
Hardcover
Size: 5" X 7"
Page Count: 224
Imprint: St. Martin's Press

In the meantime, visit Amazon.com or BarnesandandNoble.com to place your order for How to Write It online.