How to Use Enclosure Notation in a Business Letter: A Complete Guide for 2023

In the digital age, where emails and instant messaging are dominating the communication landscape, the significance of a well-crafted business letter may seem diminished. However, business letters still hold their importance in many professional settings. They are used for various purposes, such as formal communications, job applications, and official requests. Understanding the structure and components of a business letter is crucial to ensuring effective communication.

One vital element of a business letter is the enclosure notation. This notation serves as a way to indicate that additional documents or materials are included with the letter. Whether it’s a brochure, a contract, or any supporting information, enclosures can provide important context or add value to the recipient’s understanding of the correspondence. However, knowing how to properly include enclosures in a letter can be a bit confusing if you’re not familiar with the conventions.

In this blog post, we will explore the enclosure notation in a business letter, its uses, and how to effectively include enclosures in your communication. We will also discuss the key components of a business letter and unveil the 8 C’s of writing an impactful letter. So, if you are looking to master the art of business letter writing, keep reading to learn all the tips and tricks for a professional and persuasive approach.

What is the Enclosure Notation in a Business Letter?

In the world of business letter writing, there’s a secret code that goes beyond the words on the page. It’s like writing in invisible ink — only those in the know can decipher its meaning. One of these secret codes is the “enclosure notation.” So, what exactly is this mysterious notation?

The Hidden Clue: Enclosure Notation Revealed

The enclosure notation is a small but mighty piece of information that lets the reader know there is something else included in the envelope. It’s like saying, “Psst! I’ve tucked a little something extra in here for you.”

How to Crack the Code

To properly use the enclosure notation, imagine your business letter as a treasure chest. And guess what? The enclosure is the hidden gem inside. All you need to do is mention it discreetly in your letter. You don’t want to blurt it out like a pirate on a treasure hunt.

Sneaky Placement

To keep things subtle, the enclosure notation typically appears after the closing line and signature in your letter. You can use a simple phrase such as “Enclosure:” or “Encl.:” followed by a brief description of what’s included. For example, if you’re sending product brochures, you could write “Encl.: Product Brochures.”

The Informal Twist

Now, here’s where things get interesting. In a less formal business setting, you can add a touch of humor to your enclosure notation. Why be all serious and buttoned-up when you can inject a bit of personality? Just remember to keep it professional, but lighthearted. A little joke won’t hurt anyone, as long as it’s appropriate for the recipient.

Be Clear and Concise

When using the enclosure notation, it’s essential to be clear and concise. You don’t want the reader to play a guessing game, trying to figure out what you’ve hidden away. State the contents of the enclosure in a straightforward manner. If you’re including multiple documents, list them briefly for clarity. Confidence is key to successful communication!

Wrapping It Up

Now that you’re in on the secret of the enclosure notation, you can impress your colleagues with your ninja-like business letter writing skills. Remember, it’s all about that little extra touch of class and professionalism. So, next time you’re sending a business letter, don’t forget to reveal the hidden gem and leave your recipient pleasantly surprised!

And there you have it – everything you need to know about the mysterious enclosure notation in a business letter. Now go forth and conquer the world of written professional communication like a true expert!

Happy writing and treasure hunting!


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FAQ: What is the Enclosure Notation in a Business Letter?

In the world of business communication, crafting a professional letter is an art form. The way you structure and format your correspondence can convey a great deal about your professionalism and attention to detail. One important aspect of a business letter is the enclosure notation. You might be wondering, “What is the enclosure notation in a business letter?” Well, fear not! This FAQ-style guide will answer all your burning questions about enclosure notations, and more!

What are Business Letters Used For

Business letters are an essential tool for formal communication in the professional world. They serve a variety of purposes and can be used to:

  1. Request Information: Want details about a product or service? A business letter can be used to ask for specific information, such as pricing, availability, or specifications.

  2. Make Inquiries: Need answers to specific questions? You can reach out to companies, organizations, or individuals to clarify doubts or seek further information through a well-crafted business letter.

  3. Express Gratitude: Want to thank someone for their assistance or support? A business letter allows you to express gratitude and show appreciation to clients, customers, or colleagues.

  4. Request or Offer Employment: Whether you’re seeking a new job opportunity or extending a job offer, a business letter provides a formal platform to communicate your intentions.

  5. Resolve Disputes: If you encounter issues or conflicts with another party, a business letter can be used to explain the problem, propose solutions, or seek resolution.

Now that you understand the purpose of business letters, let’s dive into the enclosure notation.

What is the Enclosure Notation in a Business Letter

The enclosure notation in a business letter serves as a way to inform the recipient that there are additional documents included with the letter. It ensures that the recipient is aware of any attachments or supporting materials that are part of the communication. Adding an enclosure notation demonstrates your professionalism and ensures that the recipient doesn’t miss any important documents. So, how do you include an enclosure notation in your business letter? Keep reading to find out!

What are the 8 C’s of Business Letter

In order to craft an effective business letter, it’s important to consider the 8 C’s of communication. These principles can help you create clear, concise, and compelling letters. Let’s break down the 8 C’s:

  1. Clarity: Ensure your message is clear and easy to understand. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms that might confuse the reader.

  2. Conciseness: Keep your letter concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details or lengthy explanations.

  3. Courtesy: Use polite and professional language, demonstrating respect and consideration for the recipient.

  4. Correctness: Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation to ensure your letter is error-free and professional.

  5. Completeness: Include all necessary information and avoid leaving any questions unanswered.

  6. Coherence: Ensure that your letter flows logically and is well-organized. Use paragraphs and headings to structure your thoughts.

  7. Convincing: Persuade the recipient by presenting your arguments or requests in a compelling and convincing manner.

  8. Caring: Show empathy and consideration for the recipient’s needs or concerns.

By incorporating these 8 C’s into your business letters, you’ll enhance the effectiveness and impact of your communication.

What are the 7 Main Parts of a Business Letter

A well-structured business letter typically consists of seven main parts. Each part serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall clarity and professionalism of the letter. Let’s take a closer look:

1. Heading

The heading includes your address, the date, and the recipient’s address. It provides essential information for proper documentation and identification.

2. Inside Address

This section includes the recipient’s name, job title, company name, and address. It ensures that your letter reaches the intended recipient accurately.

3. Salutation

The salutation is the formal greeting at the beginning of the letter. Common salutations include “Dear Mr./Ms.” followed by the recipient’s last name.

4. Body

The body of the letter contains the main message or content. It should be clear, concise, and well-organized, following the 8 C’s of business letter writing.

5. Complimentary Close

The complimentary close is the polite and professional ending of the letter. Common examples include “Sincerely,” “Regards,” or “Yours faithfully.”

6. Signature

Sign your name in ink between the complimentary close and your typed name. This personalizes the letter and adds a sense of authenticity.

7. Enclosure Notation

Last but not least, the enclosure notation informs the recipient about any additional documents included with the letter. It typically appears below the signature.

How do You Put Enclosures in a Letter

To include enclosures in a business letter, you should follow these simple steps:

  1. Start by composing your letter using proper formatting, headings, and content structure.

  2. Once you have completed writing the body of the letter, it’s time to indicate the enclosures.

  3. Just below your signature, you can include the word “Enclosure” followed by a colon and a brief description of the enclosed documents.

For example: “Enclosure: Brochure, Price List, and Proposal.”

  1. Make sure to reference the enclosed documents in the content of your letter as well. This ensures that the recipient knows what to expect and where to find them.

By following these steps, you can seamlessly include enclosures in your business letters, ensuring that all relevant documents are received and acknowledged.

Congratulations! You’ve now learned all about enclosure notations in business letters. You understand the purpose of business letters, the importance of enclosure notations, the 8 C’s of business letter writing, and the seven main parts of a business letter. You’re equipped with the knowledge and skills to craft professional, effective, and engaging correspondence. So go forth and conquer the world of business communication with your newfound expertise!

Now that you’re a master of enclosure notations, it’s time to unleash your inner wordsmith and let those business letters shine!

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