Writing “Thank You” notes: Use pen, paper, envelop, stamp, USPS

My daughter-in-law is the Queen of the “Thank You” note. She sends us one when she, her husband and our two granddaughters visit our home. She sends us a Thank You note when we visit their home. She’s quick to write and send Thank You notes when she and/or her daughters receive any type of anything from us. (If there’s been something for her husband, she leaves Thank You to him.) One of these days, she’ll probably send a Thank You note for us sending a thank you note to her.

In today’s electronic age of email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the somewhat out-dated telephone, she opts for an actual note card, a hand-written note with an ink pen, and delivery through the United States Postal Service. These Thank You notes are wonderful to receive and mean more than receipt of such via any of those electronic forms listed above.

Writing a Thank You note is relatively simple and follows the popular three-step form used by the most effective speech-makers world-wide: tell the audience what you are going to tell them, then tell them (elaborate on the subject), and then tell them what you just told them. For the Thank You note, it’s just as easy: Tell the person “Thank You.” Then tell them for what you are thankful. Then thank them again. Oh, you might add a note or two about something else positive in your life or on your mind, but that’s the basis of a thank you note. Short, sweet and to the point.

Many years ago, my administrative assistant was asked, using the computer, to write a generic Thank You letter that could easily be modified, printed and mailed to customers, prospects, and anyone else who called our office for information about our products. This was before email and such and was a proven method of gaining and keeping their attention and interest in our company. She returned with a first draft that started, I just wanted to write to tell you thank you for… but that was quickly edited all the way down to, Thank you for… There was no need for the introduction to saying “Thank You.”

Writing a Thank You note, an actual hand-written short essay telling someone you are appreciative of something he or she did for you, is simple, easy and quick, usually taking about five minutes. The time you use to do so along with the cost of the paper, ink, envelope and stamp will be much more appreciative by the receiver than any other form of “Thank you.” It will have a greater impact. Try it; there’s enjoyment realized the moment the envelope is sealed and mailed.

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