Letter Writing Tips

Tips on Writing Letters to:

                                    

 

Newspaper Editors  

  • Include your full name, title/organization, address, daytime phone number, email address and signature.
  • Be concise - Keep it short; 200 words maximum.
  • Keep to one or two points. Ideally, state them in the first sentence.
  • Refer to the article/item - identify its title/date – or mention the specific event.
  • Don't get emotional - Stick to the facts.  Refute or support specific points, address relevant facts that are ignored, avoid attacking the media/newspaper.  Do not make personal attacks on the reporter/columnist, but rather his/her views.
  • Keep your audience in mind.  Who reads this source?  What arguments are likely to resonate with them?  Remember, you are trying to convince others.
  • Be timely.  It can take a week before a letter is published – respond while the issue is hot. 
  • Be witty but avoid clichés.
  • Respond while the issue is still current. Send a letter within a day of broadcast or article.

Elected Officials

  • Be Brief: Limit your letter to 350 words.
  • Be Clear and Concise: State your position in the opening sentences of your letter.  What do you want your representative to do, and why should he/she do it?  Edit your letter before you send it in, deleting unnecessary phrases or words.
  • Be Focused: Concentrate on the Resolution to create one very forceful and convincing point. Branching off on other topics will dilute your message
  • Be Factual: Facts, quotes, and statistics strengthen your letter's credibility and educate the Representative. Personal opinions lacking evidence sound vague and are easily dismissed by the representative and his/her staff.
  • Be Rational: Be credible. Revealing hostility or bitterness will undermine your integrity. Do not use angry tones.
  • Be Gracious. Thank the Representative or Senator for their consideration of this Resolution.

Sample Letter

Dear Editor:

Iran's refusal to cooperate with the United Nations Security Council and the Iranian drive to obtain nuclear weapons is a cause for great concern. Iran is violating a UN Security Council demand for the suspension of all uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities. A nuclear-armed Iran will have profound implications for the Middle East and the rest of the free world.

Iran is willing to wreak havoc across borders as demonstrated by its financial and military support for Islamic fundamentalists in Russia, China, Lebanon, Argentina and elsewhere. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has stated that Iran has already enriched uranium and will not stop.  He denies that the Holocaust occurred and talks about wiping Israel off the map.  Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khameini has threatened to use nuclear weapons in a first-strike attack.  Lastly, Iran actively recruits and maintains large groups of suicide bombers as part of its national military strategy; so nuclear terrorism is a frightening possibility.  With Europe in range of Iranian missiles, the international community must prevent the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons.  

sincerely,