Business casual, the workplace’s code for dress, frequently registers on the business communications radar these days. Once regarded as the letter writing standard, the salutation “dear” has been detonated by the contemporary kill switches of “hi” and “hello.”
While an advocate for relaxed dress at work, I’d stray from allegiance to old school breeding if I were to endorse the casual code that has crept into business communications. For one to convey a serious tone, the ancient writing mores are still applicable in many instances.
Addressing a potential customer with whom I’d never met as “Hi Bob” in a formal letter is beyond imagination. Now, if Bob belongs to Generation Y, the practice may not provoke offense; however, in the event he’s a seasoned professional over the age hill, I’d rather play it safe with “Dear Bob.” What holds true in informal situations doesn’t always pass business communications muster.
See the WSJ’s timely weigh in: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111504576060044212664436.html
No comments:
Post a Comment