Private vs Public: When Should You Make Use of a Letterhead?

A marketing officer would surely appreciate receiving a letter from you in your letterhead. A business partner would definitely feel the same way. Someone you would ask professional favors from would surely appreciate the formality of your request. But it is doubtful if your lover would really take a type-written letter in your template as a sign of your deep affection. And it is also doubtful if your mother would want a note written in such medium also. Sometimes, letters from the hand would be the sweeter option.

So your company has a letterhead that you could use on your own choosing. So you have your personal template for a letter as an officer of your organization. But sometimes, people get intimidated by having too many details affirming your credibility in your letters. Sometimes, you might make them feel too unequal to deal with you, which defeats the purpose of communication. Sometimes, you have to write your letter as you, not as an officer, not as a member of your organization, but as you. So when do you draw the line? How do you draw the line?

The letterhead is a representation of your social position. It connotes some degree of power and credibility. It gives the impression of dignity and respect. These are good things in themselves, that is of no doubt. So the first thing to consider in deciphering whether or not to use your template is what hat you are wearing as a writer of the letter. Are you writing as a professional or a family member? Are you writing from the mind or from the heart? As much as it sounds mushy, letters have the power of conveying your most intimate thoughts, and you must find the proper means of saying them.

But there are some instances that you might be able to use the letterhead as a twist to your personal note. Let's say, to your husband. You write a note using your template saying something like, I am in the middle of work, but all of a sudden, I was bedazzled by a fascinating thought of you. That would surely bring him to his knees in love of you. Now would not that be something. That's called strategic use of a simple letter template.

The key to understanding the use of your letterhead is to determine the private and the public space. The private space is supposed to make the people in it comfortable and unconditionally driven to dealing with each other. The public space is where social expectations and conventions operate. Imagine yourself as stepping and jumping in interlocking spheres of interaction. When you have a clearer view of yourself wearing different hats, you will be a more effective communicator.

The letterhead is only a tool. You are not always your job, as well as often you must project yourself formally as it is needed. Strategy and consciousness must take precedence in knowing when to use your formal template, or when not to use it.

About The Author:
Peter Johnson is an expert consultant about Letterhead. You can find more information by visiting http://www.design-letterhead.com