HOW TO: Write a perfect note

Writing a proper note can actually trigger a mini-anxiety attack, especially when your best friend and her mother assign letter grades to every note and card they receive. Even so, there is something incredibly satisfying about succinct, thoughtful prose, which so perfectly conveys emotions. I love addressing a note I know will make someone smile upon opening.

General Tips

*Invest in quality stationary and a ballpoint pen with black or blue ink.

*Practice your penmanship. In the age of instant communication, nothing is more personal than a handwritten note. Cursive is ideal, but neat print is better than illegible scribble.

*The best notes are written within 24 hours of an event. One week is the maximum amount of time that should pass before one is in the mail. (Then again, better late than never.)

*When in doubt, write a note, even if you already said something in person.

*Be brief, honest and sincere; people like being appreciated, and it is important to be meaningful.

Thank-You Notes

For a gift or favor: First, express gratitude for the gift or favor and explain the appropriateness of the item. For example, if you receive a book on exotic travel for your birthday: "I love reading about new places and the book is a perfect addition to my collection." Also, tie the gift to the person who gave it to you: "Your gifts are always so thoughtful."

Depending on the gift, mention how you plan to use it, or if you receive money, allude to how you will spend it. Avoid referring to the money directly; "Thank you so much for your generosity" is more appropriate than "Thanks for the hundred dollars."

End your note by mentioning something personal about the giver: "I hear you're doing great at Georgetown," and how you hope to see them soon.

After Being a Houseguest: Express gratitude for the invitation to stay and thank your host for being accommodating; however enjoyable having guests is, it requires a great deal of extra effort on their part. Next, feel free to reminisce about the visit, mentioning a great dinner or a fun event that you attended. Also, consider offering to host them in the future; reciprocity is always appreciated. If you took any photographs during your stay, slip in copies of the best ones as mementos. Of course, if you didn't bring a host(ess) gift when you arrived, remember to send one with your thank you.

After a Job Interview: A solid thank-you note will make you stand out in the interviewer's mind, but only if it is written in a timely fashion, specifically the day after. Thank the individual for a great interview, and mention what made it so memorable. Perhaps you had a great conversation about how your interests match the organization's goals.

Convey your sincere interest in the position and emphasize your knowledge of the company, perhaps by mentioning how much you enjoyed visiting the office and hearing about their operational strategy. End with mentioning your expectations, usually by saying "I hope to hear from you soon." Use a professional greeting and closing, and make sure you spell their name correctly, or the note could do more harm than good.

Sympathy Notes

Sympathy notes should offer comfort and should avoid being melodramatic or clichéd. Avoid lines like "it's all for the best" or "I know how you feel." Imagine you were the person receiving the note, and write what you would hope to hear. The best notes are brief; those who are grieving usually do not have the time or energy to read lengthy letters. A great deal is communicated with a simple, "I'm sorry for your loss." If you knew the deceased, address the note to the person's closest relative, and if not, write to the relative you know best. Express your heartfelt condolences and if you knew the person, recall a happy memory you will cherish or a notable accomplishment. Don't be afraid to use the word death or mention the circumstances; you want the reader to feel that they are not alone in their sorrow. End your note with encouragement and support, giving the griever confidence in his or her strength to get through this difficult time and offering to help them in any way you can. Only offer to help, however, if you plan to follow through. Don't say you'll call unless you really will.

Gift Cards

Whether giving a gift for a birthday, a wedding, or a special event, always include a gift card. Not only will it ensure that the recipient knows the gift is from you, but a great gift card can make the present that much more memorable.

Be creative. Look for unusual items to incorporate into your gift and turn them into cards. My aunt loves attaching scratch-and-win lottery tickets to all her gifts, slipping them in an envelope with a cute note and tying them on top with ribbon.

If you're crafty, grab some art supplies and make a one-of-a-kind card in a fun design. Gift cards are always a great opportunity to assign a theme to a gift. For example, if you're giving golf gear, attach a score card and write your message in the score boxes.

The message should be short and sweet, greeting the recipient and offering a quick note of congratulations or thanks. Always include a personal note, even if the card is pre-printed; something sincere and clever makes any occasion more special.