The personal letter Conveying a personal message imaginatively
The rule of thumb for personal letters: say what you like, as long as it does not offend or hurt the recipient. So let your imagination run free, in terms of both what you write and all the paraphernalia, such as stationery, envelope, pen or handwriting. As for the franking, you have many options: you can choose a beautiful stamp from the Swiss Post collection or design your own stamp with WebStamp.
A few tips
- Write personal letters by hand, because everyone’s handwriting is unique and an expression of their personality.
- Describe what you feel, how your surroundings look or smell – use your letters to inspire and convey emotions.
- Letters can appeal to all of the senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste or smell – there are no limits to your imagination.
- Play with the format: for example, tiny letters are good for confidential messages, whereas large formats give you plenty of space if you have a lot to say.
- With a colourful envelope and stationery, you can make your letter stand out.
- And remember, envelopes offer space for more than just your message: think about whether you may want to include a little surprise.
The structure of a letter
| Salutation |
“Hi Urs; Hey Manuela; Hello Steffi; Dear Mr Meier, etc.” The salutation in a personal letter is like the greeting in a conversation. You can write to someone in the same way as you talk to them. |
|---|---|
| Introduction |
“Hello, how are you? It just occurred to me that...” At the start of the letter, talk directly to the recipient and address them personally. Put yourself in their position, ask about them, express wishes and hopes. If you’re replying to a letter, thank them for the letter in the introduction and answer any questions that were asked. |
| Main section |
“I just bought a new bike, and it’s really nice...” Write here about new things in your life that are interesting to the recipient. Describe experiences, share something about yourself that’s on your mind, making you happy or sad. |
| Conclusion |
“Hopefully see you soon on the bikes at the slowUp in...” Invite the other person to continue the dialogue. |
| Complimentary close |
“See you soon; Later; All the best; Warm wishes...” End the letter with good wishes. Here again, as with the salutation, you can say goodbye to someone in the same way as you talk to them. |