2. To learn about the writing principles of business letters;
3. To study the layout of business letters, including the letter styles and the structure of the business letter, which is most important in this unit.
Please introduce to us some importers of stationery in your country.
2) Assuring you of our favorable consideration, we remain
We will consider your suggestions favorably.
To achieve conciseness, try to observe the following suggestions:
Omit stereotyped phrases and commercialese. Avoid unnecessary repetition and wordy statements. Include only relevant facts. Confine each paragraph to one idea.
Dear Sirs，
Will you ship us sometime, any time during the month of November, or even December if you are rushed, for December would suit us just as well, in fact a little bit better, 30 copies of “Barron’s Practice Exercises for the TOFLE”.
I write to send my congratulations. Congratulations to you on your success!
We do not permit outside groups to use our equipment except on a cash rental basis.
Please sign the contract enclosed and return it to me.
Those who work rapidly get ill in these conditions. Those who work in these conditions rapidly get ill.
Your letter is not clear at all. I can’t understand it. If I understand your letter correctly… (tactful)
3. Clarity 清楚 First, be quite clear about what you want to say;
There are three guidelines for observing this writing principle:
Choose short, familiar and conversational instead of long, complicated and roundabout words or phrases.
Then say it in plain, simple language appropriate to the understanding level of your reader.
Good, straight-forward, simple English is what is needed for business letters.
Construct effective sentences.
Organize your ideas into a logical order.
Look at the following sentences. Are they good sentences?
I hope you will be in a position to make a decision within a short time.
they are well written: You are requested to remit the amount by 10 August. Please remit the amount by August 10.
We must tell you that we can’t accept your price. Unfortunately, we cannot accept your price.
Look at the following sentences and think about whether or not they are good sentences:
It is regretted that the goods cannot be sent today. We are pleased to inform you that the goods will be sent tomorrow.
transaction; it is written in order to achieve a specific purpose and often gives rise to the legal obligations of the writer. 4.What does an effective business letter require?
商务英语函电Unit 1 Business Letterwriting
Part One: Teaching Aims & Requirements
1. To learn about the functions of the business letter and its importance in business activities;
2. The functions of a business letter: 1) To ask for or to convey information;
2) To deal with matters concerning negotiation of business;
3) To confirm cables, telexes, telephones or face-to-face talks, especially important ones.
4. Conciseness 简洁
Conciseness means e fewest possible words without losing clarity, courtesy, completeness and good English.
1) Good English 2) Good knowledge of international trade business
II. The Principles of Business Letterwriting
The seven C’s :
Consideration Courtesy Clarity Conciseness Concreteness Correctness Completeness
3.What should a business letter be like? It should be business-like. 1) Don’t use the language in literature; 2) Don’t use the language in private letters. Why? The business letter plays a very important role in a
You are welcome to rent our equipment.
2. Courtesy 客气
This principle means: Follow the guidelines talked under consideration. Be sincere, tactful, thoughtful and appreciative. Avoid irritating, offensive or belittling expressions. If an apology is necessary, make it courteously and sincerely. Be prompt in answering letters. Look at the following sentences and think about whether or not
I hope you can decide soon.
The contract enclosed herewith requires your signature before it can be executed and should be directed to the undersigned.
Let’s compare the following groups of sentences:
1) We take the liberty to approach you with the request that you would be kind enough to introduce to us some importers of stationery in your country.
1. Consideration 体谅
It means： Take the “You-attitude” instead of “I/We-attitude”; Emphasize the positive rather than the negative approach; Get to the point immediately.