A persuasive letter is a formal letter, and thus, its format is similar to any such letter. However, the content can differ drastically as it caters to a whole range of readers. Also, while formal letters are short and crisp, persuasive letters have the liberty to be slightly longer. Here’s a look into the format that you should follow when writing such a letter.

A persuasive letter is a formal letter, and thus, its format is similar to any such letter. However, the content can differ drastically as it caters to a whole range of readers. Also, while formal letters are short and crisp, persuasive letters have the liberty to be slightly longer. Here’s a look into the format that you should follow when writing such a letter.

As the name suggests, a persuasive letter is written to persuade a reader to invest time or resources in a particular product or event. While most such letters are written in order to sell a particular item, others may be written by organizations looking for sponsors or advertisers, to popularize a particular concept or idea as a method of direct marketing, or to convince the reader to do their bit for a cause (food for all or global warming, for example). The very meaning of persuasive says that the letter has to be convincing enough for the reader to respond in the positive and take almost immediate action. A persuasive letter is a formal document and requires to be written in a specific format so that it fulfills its function well.

It is important that a persuasive letter connects with the reader almost instantly. For instance, if you are writing to a client to purchase a travel package from you, you have to write the letter in terms the ordinary traveler will be able to connect with and comprehend. The positives of choosing the travel package should be clearly highlighted, and the letter should be such that it does not leave the reader doubtful about whether or not they still want to go for the package. They should simply go for it. Similarly, based on whatever the subject of the letter is, it should be compelling enough to be read through to the end, and to make the reader want to take some action in the positive toward it. Since you cannot be present in person to persuade your client or the reader, your letter has to be persuasive enough to elicit a positive response.

While the content of a persuasive letter may differ based on its purpose, it follows a particular format that you should consider when writing one. As mentioned earlier, it is a formal letter. The tone of the letter is decided based on the reader of the letter. Having explained these details, here’s a look into the simple format of such a letter.

Similar to a persuasive essay, a compelling letter strives to convince the reader of a specific position or opinion. The goal of both letters and essays are the same, and in truth both are structured in a very similar fashion.

To create a persuasive letter, it is always best to establish your primary goal or argument and then brainstorm the arguments that support your position. After you have listed your primary arguments and have an idea of the strength of each, organize each idea into your outline.
Within the outline begin with your primary position and then move to the most compelling argument. Then list each argument in turn with the most valid being closest to the beginning of the letter. Conclude your outline with the summary idea and the explicit request or direction to the reader.

Once you have completed your outline and have organize zed your ideas, it is time to write. The format of the letter should follow standard business prose. As such, you should include the salutation and the date of the letter. Indentation of paragraphs is not necessary in a business letter and this format should be adhered to when drafting a professional communication.
Begin with your salutation and your opening paragraph. Here you should state your position and your request of the reader. Within this paragraph you should include what you expect the reader to do once they have concluded reading and state why you fell it is necessary.

Once your opening paragraph is complete, move onto the arguments that support your position. Within these arguments and the body of the letter it is good form to consider opposing opinions, but when writing try to avoid validating those arguments. Instead strive to mention the opposing position and why it is not valid or not significant in the overall goal behind the communication.
Once you have created your arguments, close the letter with a summary paragraph. Summarize the primary position of the letter and mention again the supporting reasons for your position.

Within the closing paragraph, be sure to include what you want the reader to take away from the paper. If there are explicit instruction, expectations or next steps, this is the place to state them. In general, your closing paragraph should provide the reader with an understanding of what is now expected of them; whether it is an official response, directions on next steps, or simply food for thought. Regardless of the next steps you should always conclude your letters expectations that the reader now must take an action.

After your closing paragraph, simply conclude the letter with a close that you are comfortable with. In professional situations, Best regards are generally preferred over Sincerely yours, but it is all a matter of personal taste.

Once you have completed and formatted your persuasive letter, do a check of spelling and grammar. If the letter is controversial, you may want to request that a colleague look it over to ensure that it has the proper tone for what you are trying to convey. Because print does not allow for body language and interpersonal context, the tone of the letter is extremely important. All too often, messages and intent have been misconstrued simply because the communication was in print and not in person.

After you are comfortable with the letter and are sure that it conveys the right message in the proper tone, your work is complete. Create your copies, post the message as needed by mail, email, or other form of transfer and move forward accordingly.

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Writing letters to your legislators allows you to participate in shaping public policy. As a small business owner, you have a vested interest in policies that can affect your industry or the purchasing power of your customers. Legislators welcome input so they know how to best represent their constituents, and can present personal scenarios to their colleagues to back up their positions or add clarity. Letters allow them to have a written record of these concerns. Even if you didn’t vote for a particular legislator, don’t let that stop you from making a persuasive case.

Use a Proper Salutation

If you want your letter to be taken seriously you must address every legislator respectfully. This means using the proper salutation in your letter, regardless of how strongly you disagree with any position they take on a particular issue — or whether you voted for them. Always address your letter with “The Honorable” preceding the state or federal legislator’s name.

Introduction

Introduce yourself as a small business owner and a constituent, then state your reason for writing. If there is no pending legislation tied to the issue, just state the issue and how the outcome will affect you negatively or positively. If there is a bill tied to the issue, be sure to include the bill number or numbers, if it is in both the Senate and House of Representatives.