Shortletter

Shortletter is a concise form of written communication designed to convey essential information with minimal elaboration. It aims to be efficient and easy to read, suitable for professional and personal contexts where time or attention is limited. The term is used in writing guides to describe a brief letter that communicates a single, clear point rather than a detailed narrative.

Typical structure includes a brief salutation, a direct statement of purpose, one or two essential details, and a concise closing. The opening should state the reason for writing; the body should present facts or requests in one or two sentences; the closing should indicate next steps or appreciation.

Style and tone: formal or semi-formal in professional contexts, with plain language and active voice. Avoid redundancy, jargon, and extraneous background. In personal use, a shortletter can be casual but should still be polite and to the point.

Formats and usage: shortletters appear as letters, notes, emails, or memos. Common purposes include confirming arrangements, requesting information, issuing brief apologies, or delivering a quick update. They are valued for clarity and speed, but may be less effective when complex issues or persuasion is required.

History and terminology: the idea precedes digital communication and has parallels in brief notes and memos. While not a fixed category in all style guides, the concept of a shortletter is widely recognized as a practical form of concise written communication.