The writing culture has been around for a very long time. At a time when modern e-mail was a phenomenon from the category of science fiction, letters were written by hand, long went to the addressee, each word was worth its weight in gold. Neither paper nor ink was wasted just like that. It is not for nothing that the correspondence of some famous philosophers, thinkers and writers has survived to this day and is being studied as literary works.
What to do now, when outdated letters of appeal seem to be inappropriate? But you have to apply, and every day for various reasons. How to start a business letter to immediately tune the interlocutor to the desired wave?
Greetings or goodbyes? How not to get into trouble
Let's start right away with the "viral" phrase "good day." The very case when “by good intentions ..." The comic appeal instantly entered into business (and not only) correspondence. Many, apparently, think that by such an appeal they respect the right of the correspondent to read the letter at any time convenient for him. However, such pseudo-respect is fundamentally wrong.
Even by ear, the phrase is bulky and uncomfortable. In terms of grammar, it is also incorrect. The genitive in Russian is traditionally used in parting: “all the best”, “have a nice day,” while the verb “wish” is omitted.
When meeting (even virtual) constructions are used in the nominative case: "good evening", "good morning".
What to do when you are not sure, morning at the interlocutor or night?
The universal appeal in business letters is "hello" or "good afternoon." An interesting nuance is that the words “morning” and “evening” have a promise by the time of day, while neutral “good day” by etiquette can be applied at any time of the day or night. Still hurt your hearing? Write hello!
"Dear, I beg you below": archaisms today
The emergence of appeals is a topic with a long history. At a time when class division was recognized, the hierarchy was clear and understandable. In accordance with the "Table of Ranks" the interlocutor was contacted by "your nobility", "your excellency", more simply - "gracious sovereign", "sir." A mistake could cause a mortal resentment. Yes, there are many options, but all of them were clearly spelled out and did not allow double interpretations.
It is interesting that even now such words can offend the interlocutor, since they sound sarcastically and belittle his status and dignity.
Soviet times destroyed classism and greatly simplified the form of conversion. Actually, there were only two of them: "comrade" and "citizen (citizen)". Both words are universal, applied to all persons, regardless of age, gender, position. However, there was a nuance. Trustworthy people were called "comrade"; the word carries a touch of personal disposition. “Citizen”, while neutral, has, rather, a hint of a negative attitude, some doubt as to whether the person is a comrade.
Business correspondence today. Equal communication
The current written business etiquette is a wild mixture of returned pre-revolutionary word forms. Alas, the uniform standard of treatment in our country has not yet taken root, but the process is ongoing, the excess is being eliminated.
Visualization is a powerful thing. If you met with the interlocutor personally, then he will see you and your manner of speaking behind the words of the address. If there was no meeting, then it is the written appeal that will create the first impression: pleasant or not - it depends on you.
The main rule is not to belittle yourself by raising your interlocutor too high (with a few exceptions, which we will talk about later). We do not have a feudal system, people are equal, this is what should be felt in the letter. "Dear" - bust. And busting seems to be a mockery.
Neutral appeal. Do not bend the stick
"Dear" is a great way to reach out to a stranger. But this should be followed by the name and patronymic. For example, "dear Akaki Akakievich."
A mere mention of a surname in this case looks impolite. In this case, the phrase must be supplemented either with the word "master," or with the name of the academic degree, position. “Dear Bashmachkin” doesn’t sound very good, but “dear Mr. Bashmachkin” doesn’t sound according to all the canons of business communication.
Which is preferable? If you know the degree of the interlocutor, use it in circulation. This is a sign of well-deserved respect without a drop of servility.
Do not know - contact "dear sir."
For a group of people united on some basis, career or social, the beginning of the letter "dear colleagues, partners, tenants, visitors ..." is a win-win option.
"Master" is another appeal that has returned from pre-revolutionary times. Today, it is perhaps the most common. Together with the surname forms a completely appropriate form. Nowadays, the word "master" does not imply classiness, only respect for equal. However, groups of people who are clearly lower in the social ladder should not be treated like that. Agree, "gentlemen of the poor" sounds mockingly.
Diplomatic correspondence. Secrets of appeal
Perhaps the only case in our time when the difference in position must be emphasized is an appeal to government officials and the clergy.
Name-patronymic, even flavored with the words "dear sir," will be bad manners.
Be sure to mention the position or dignity of the person. "Dear Mr. Ambassador" - the right treatment (we substitute the "minister", "president", "authorized representative", etc.).
"Your Excellency King of Sweden" is also relevant these days. Far from daily communication with members of the royal family, a person hardly knows all the subtleties of communication with top officials. In this case, it is better to bend the stick.