商务英语函电Unit 1 Business Letter-writing

Let’s compare the following groups of sentences:
1) We take the liberty to approach you with the request that you would be kind enough to introduce to us some importers of stationery in your country.
You are welcome to rent our equipment.
2. Courtesy 客气
This principle means: Follow the guidelines talked under consideration. Be sincere, tactful, thoughtful and appreciative. Avoid irritating, offensive or belittling expressions. If an apology is necessary, make it courteously and sincerely. Be prompt in answering letters. Look at the following sentences and think about whether or not
There are three guidelines for observing this writing principle:
Choose short, fami百度文库iar and conversational instead of long, complicated and roundabout words or phrases.
Then say it in plain, simple language appropriate to the understanding level of your reader.
Good, straight-forward, simple English is what is needed for business letters.
1. Consideration 体谅
It means： Take the “You-attitude” instead of “I/We-attitude”; Emphasize the positive rather than the negative approach; Get to the point immediately.
Part Two: Study of Business Letter-
writing
I. Introduction
1. Why is letter-writing so important nowadays?
Because at present many business messages are sent by way of fax or e-mail instead of traditional post, and the language and style used in the fax/e-mail message are almost the same as those used in the letter by post, letter-writing is again regarded as quite important in our international trade communicating.
Yours faithfully, 【Letter Two】
Dear Sirs，
Please ship by parcel post, by the end of December, 30 copies of “Barron’s Practice Exercises for the TOFLE”.
Your letter is not clear at all. I can’t understand it. If I understand your letter correctly… (tactful)
3. Clarity 清楚 First, be quite clear about what you want to say;
Dear Sirs，
Will you ship us sometime, any time during the month of November, or even December if you are rushed, for December would suit us just as well, in fact a little bit better, 30 copies of “Barron’s Practice Exercises for the TOFLE”.
Thanking you to send these along to us by parcel post, and not express, as express is too stiff in price, when parcel post will be much cheaper, we are
2. The functions of a business letter: 1) To ask for or to convey information;
2) To deal with matters concerning negotiation of business;
3) To confirm cables, telexes, telephones or face-to-face talks, especially important ones.
Please sign the contract enclosed and return it to me.
Those who work rapidly get ill in these conditions. Those who work in these conditions rapidly get ill.
Look at the following sentences and think about whether or not they are good sentences:
It is regretted that the goods cannot be sent today. We are pleased to inform you that the goods will be sent tomorrow.
To achieve conciseness, try to observe the following suggestions:
Omit stereotyped phrases and commercialese. Avoid unnecessary repetition and wordy statements. Include only relevant facts. Confine each paragraph to one idea.
they are well written: You are requested to remit the amount by 10 August. Please remit the amount by August 10.
We must tell you that we can’t accept your price. Unfortunately, we cannot accept your price.
4. Conciseness 简洁
Conciseness means saying what you have to say in the fewest possible words without losing clarity, courtesy, completeness and good English.
Construct effective sentences.
Organize your ideas into a logical order.
Look at the following sentences. Are they good sentences?
I hope you will be in a position to make a decision within a short time.
I write to send my congratulations. Congratulations to you on your success!
We do not permit outside groups to use our equipment except on a cash rental basis.
The following are two letters with the same content. Please read them and think about which one is better. Give the reasons for your judgment.
【Letter One】
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Yours faithfully,
5. Concreteness 具体 Writing concretely means making your message specific,
definite and vivid rather than vague, general and abstract. A business letter should avoid emptiness in contents and vagueness in ideas. The guidelines below may help you achieve concreteness: Use specific facts and figures. Put action in your verbs. (Prefer active verbs to passive verbs or words in which action is hidden. Choose vivid, concrete and image-building words.
Unit One
Business Letterwriting
Part One: Teaching Aims & Requirements
1. To learn about the functions of the business letter and its importance in business activities;
I hope you can decide soon.
The contract enclosed herewith requires your signature before it can be executed and should be directed to the undersigned.
2. To learn about the writing principles of business letters;
3. To study the layout of business letters, including the letter styles and the structure of the business letter, which is most important in this unit.
Please introduce to us some importers of stationery in your country.
2) Assuring you of our favorable consideration, we remain
We will consider your suggestions favorably.