Modules 9 & 10

Module 9 discusses the formats for letters and memos.  It talks about block and modified block formats and the difference between the two.  It also talks about the other important parts of a letter or memo such as the salutation, complimentary closes, subject line and reference line.  It discusses letterheads which are preprinted paper that has the company name, logo, address, and phone number on it and how to go about using them in single page and multiple page letters.  This module also talks about how to create a professional image, to be aware of the culture of the business that you are working for and to make sure you follow that culture so that you fit in nicely and present yourself as a respectable individual.  It also discusses certain courtesy titles that you should use when addressing people in letters, so that you use the correct title and do not offend anyone.

Module 10 discusses informative and positive messages.  It says that even simple informative or good news messages include several primary and secondary purposes, such as to give information or good news to the reader, to build a good image of the writer and/or the writers organization, and so forth.  It discusses subject lines, which are important because they tell the reader what the message is about and why they should read it.  Subject lines should be specific so the reader is clear what the message holds, and it should be short, just 3 to 7 words.  When writing letters or memo's, you should insert reader benefits when you are presenting policies, if the stressing benefits presents readers' motives positively, or if some of the benefits may not be obvious.  Thank you notes will help create better relationships with people you work with and make them more willing to help you in the future. 

One thing that I found very interesting was in module 9 on creating a professional image.  I think that when you are new to a company or organization you should have a mentor in the workplace that can show the ropes so that you do not do something that might make you look bad.  That also would help you to get to know others that work there with you since they could introduce you to others or invite you out after work.

I also think that it is very important to know how to format a message or letter when there are multiple pages.  For instance it is very important to put a signature block on the second page and so forth so that you can make sure that the correct page is being placed in the envelope just in case you have printed out multiple letters or memos to different people and get them mixed up.