Communications 11 / 12: Assignment #1

There is a strong likelihood that in your life you will want to express a concern to someone through the medium of a letter or e-mail. In order to present your ideas effectively, your diction and tone is extremely important. You want to make certain that your target audience will consider your ideas. If the tone of your correspondence is overly aggressive, sarcastic or not specific, your letter may be ineffectual.

Consider the following strategies:

• Introduce yourself.
• Summarize the situation of concern.
• Consider pointing out that you are aware of the other person’s point of view and the difficulties that person may be dealing with.

*STATE YOUR CONCERNS IN THE AFFIRMATIVE NOT THE NEGATIVE-in other words, emphasize the behavior you want rather than the behavior you do not want.
• Avoid language that will make the reader angry.
• Avoid referring to second hand accounts.
• Offer solutions.
• Request some sort of response


Assignment

You have attended a number of your son or daughter’s athletic team practices and games and you have noted the following behaviors from the coach, Mr. Kleats. Write a letter that expresses your concerns and what you would like done. You may make up details to provide examples. Address the letter to Mr. Kleats @ Central High School 123 Main Street, Sportstown, British Columbia, V2A 1W3.

• The coach often arrives late
• Practices are disorganized
• Some team members receive very little playing time
• The coach often yells at players
• Too much emphasis is placed on winning

USE PROPER FORMAL BUSINESS LETTER FORMAT