Sarah is a writer and editor in New York. When she’s not behind a computer, she can typically be found in her kitchen baking or out exploring a new city.
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Amid the flurry of rapid-fire text messages and emails we receive on a daily basis, there’s something magical about getting a handwritten note. Maybe it’s the thrill of holding a tangible piece of mail or maybe it’s just knowing someone took the time to sit down and put pen to paper. Either way, it’s a good feeling.
But when you’re the one doing the writing, it can be hard to find the right words for the occasion. Try these tricks the next time you need to get in the zone.
1. Find stationery you love.
If you’re trying to write a thoughtful note on the random cards you picked up at a drugstore, you’re already fighting an uphill inspiration battle. Instead, find nice thick notecards that reflect your personality, and keep a stockpile of various styles.
Three you’re pretty much guaranteed to need in heavy rotation are non-boring thank you cards, birthday cards, and monogrammed stationary (for professional correspondence). For the latter, Crane & Co. andMinted have massive selections that cater to a range of tastes, but for special occasion cards, scope out indie purveyors likeSugar Paper,Elum Designs,Sesame Letterpress & Design, andEmily McDowell Studio.
Whether you’re jotting down a short congratulatory message or a longer thank you for a job interview, it’s beneficial to get your initial thoughts down in a medium you can edit easily — and one that doesn’t risk wasting the awesome stationery you’ve hunted down.
Google Docs, the notes app in your phone, or a Word doc are all good options to make sure you’re writing a note that’s thoughtful and coherent. Before you get going, brainstorm the general gist of what you want to include, and write down a few key points you want to hit.
3. Follow a formula without sounding formulaic.
After greeting the person by name (something that often falls by the wayside in emails), your first sentence should clearly express why you’re writing. The second and third sentences should go deeper with a specific personal touch (more on that below), and you should wrap up by mentioning the future — perhaps the possibility of following up or making plans to meet.
4.Give the reader an aha! moment.
This tip comes courtesy of Sigmund Freud, who said, “I consider it a good rule for letter-writing to leave unmentioned what the recipient already knows, and instead tell him something new.” Translation: Don’t go for the obvious.
Instead of something like, “Thank you for the scarf — it’s the loveliest shade of blue,” a better move is to describe a fond memory it evokes or tell the gift-giver where you plan to wear it. If it’s for a job interview, take a point or challenge they talked about and weave in some outside industry knowledge, or tie it back to your background and how you can help the company succeed.
5. Write the way you talk.
The whole point of sending a handwritten note is to make the reader feel appreciated, which they totally won’t if you crank out something that sounds like it was dictated by a robot. Imagine you’re delivering your note in person and write your draft in the same voice you’d relay your message face-to-face.
Be honest: When was the last time you sent a heartfelt handwritten note?
A good rule of thumb is to use handwriting that is slightly larger than your normal writing size, but not so large that it takes up too much space on the page. It's also important to keep in mind that legible handwriting is key.
Don't write down everything. While it's tempting to try to jot down everything your instructor says, it's hard to keep up with the pace of the lecture when you're writing by hand. ...
A good rule of thumb is to use handwriting that is slightly larger than your normal writing size, but not so large that it takes up too much space on the page. It's also important to keep in mind that legible handwriting is key.
Noun She wrote a note to remind herself about the appointment. I left you a note on the kitchen table. making notes in the margins of a book She jotted down a few notes during the interview. After class, I usually study my notes and read the next chapter.
Take visually clear, concise, organized, and structured notes so that they are easy to read and make sense to you later. See different formats of notes below for ideas. If you want your notes to be concise and brief, use abbreviations and symbols. Write in bullets and phrases instead of complete sentences.
Handwritten notes are capable of engaging people on a deeper level than other forms of communication. They remind employees and customers why they work with you and deliver confidence about their future relationship with you.
Begin by placing the main idea of what you've read, or are learning, in the center of a page. As you continue to read, add supporting terms, phrases, or concepts around it. Use lines or arrows to link the supporting concepts to the main idea. Set up your paper in columns and label appropriate headings for each topic.
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your thoughtfulness. Your kind gesture has truly touched my heart and brightened my day. I am so grateful for your generosity and appreciate all that you have done for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a wonderful friend/colleague.
Write general Kind Notes (examples: “You are wonderful,” “Thank you for making the world kind,” “I appreciate you”) and pass them out at random at an event or gathering. Write a Kind Note to yourself, recognizing something you like or a quality that makes you a kind person.
Before you begin writing, take some time to reflect on your feelings and emotions related to the situation or person you're writing to. Consider journaling or meditating to help you get in touch with these emotions. This can help you identify any unresolved feelings or issues that need to be addressed in your letter.
Introduction: My name is Merrill Bechtelar CPA, I am a clean, agreeable, glorious, magnificent, witty, enchanting, comfortable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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