Writing a Thank You Note

Many take this form of appreciation for granted. Yet, recent search inquiries show that some would like to know how to write one, but do not know how. How do you write a thank you note? And, what are the basics?

The thank you note is simply a written form of expressing appreciation for another's actions. It can be written on a variety of backdrops ranging from note cards to sheet paper. Note cards are the most popular and easiest to use.

There are basically three parts to writing a thank you note. They are the following:
· Greeting
· Message
· Second & third sentence
· Closing/ salutation
· Signature

Let us examine each of these components more closely. We will get a better understanding of how to write a thank you note this way.

The greeting portion of your thank you note is the person's name you are addressing. You can precede the name with Dear, Hi, Ms., Mr., or any form of address you find fitting. The better you know someone, the more personalized the form of address will be.

The message portion of your thank you note will contain a 'thank you for' beginning. Then you will state what it is you are expressing your appreciation of. For instance, "thank you for the delicious gift basket you sent me". It is very simple and plainly stated.

The second and third sentence might contain information to help solidify why you are so appreciative. For instance, "the fruit was tasty and sweet. We are still enjoying it!" The third statement can many times simply be a fun comment to bring a smile to your recipient's face.

The closing statement (or salutation) is usually 'sincerely', 'love', etc. This also depends on how well you know the person. In formal settings, a simple 'sincerely' works well.
Sometimes, writers do not use any closing salutation. Do what you feel comfortable with.

Here is a sample of how to write a thank you note:

Dear Bob,
Thanks so much for the fantastic Jimmy Buffet CD collection you surprised me with (expressing appreciation). I've been wanting to get that collection for ages! (Second sentence acknowledging pleasure). You rule, dude! (Third sentence for fun and smiles).
Love, (closing salutation)
Sis (how you sign your name for this person)
************
Writing a thank you note does not have to contain clever writing. Nor does it need to contain many words. In fact, some of the best thank you notes are to the point. Any way you look at it, it is the thought that counts.