- 1). Express your gratitude at the outset. If you begin a thank-you note talking about the weather or other extraneous information before saying thank-you, it seems like an afterthought. If, for example, you are writing to a friend to thank him for sending you flowers, you would begin by writing: "Dear John. Thank-you for the lovely flowers."
- 2). Write about what the gift means to you. It's important to be specific, regardless of whether you are writing about a tangible gift like a book or an intangible gift such as friendship and support when you were going through a difficult time. For example, say the book made you laugh out loud or that your friend's support during your replacement hip surgery helped take your mind off your pain and discomfort. If you are writing a professional thank-you note after a job interview, say you gained a valuable insight into the company's work ethos and mission statement.
- 3). Discuss the gift. The secret of an effective thank-you note is being graceful but sincere. If, for example, your aunt sends you a sweater in a hideous shade of purple, find something complimentary to say about the garment's material or design and don't allude to the color. If someone sends you a beautiful necklace, discuss when you plan to wear it. Say something like: "I can't wait to premiere it at my daughter's birthday dinner next week."
- 4). End your note on a thoughtful, personal touch. Simply telling a friend you will call her soon to make dinner plans lets her know that she is an important part of your life. If writing to a business associate you don't know very well, express a wish to keep in touch or write that you hope to see him at a forthcoming business meeting or convention.
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