Mattison AELC 3203 Letter of Complaint 2nd Draft

Letter of Complaint

2nd Drafting Session

AELC 3203 Professional Writing

Update your file name to 2nd draftApply block letter formatting:

1. 0 pt before and 0 pt after paragraphs
2. single spaced
3. 1" margins
4. 12 pt font, Arial / Times New Roman

Sender

We will not use your personal letterhead on this assignment because you are writing as a representative of your group. Start with your street address (your name goes at the end of the letter).

Date

The date is the first variable on a letter. Make sure the date is 2" from the top of the page. Don't forget to count the 1" margin!

Turn on Track Changes

Once you finish your formatting edits, turn on track changes before making any content updates.

Audience

Content

Assignment Requirements

Who is the recipient of this letter? What should I complain about?

Complaining vs Venting

Venting

Complaining

Describes the emotional response caused by the problem Does not work towards a solution Is unprofessional (but healthy!)

Strategy Void of Emotion Provides Information Suggests a Solution

Purpose

Stay on topic! Objectives: 1. Inform reader of unsatisfactory service / practice / method2. Suggest a remedy: Common Solutions -

• Awareness campaign
• Event
• Program
• Opportunity

Model Outline

Formatting

Sample letter

Recipient

Intro

Body

Conclusion

Closing

2nd Draft Assignment Requirements

Closing

Closing with typed name only; no signature or enclosure notification

Content

3 paragraphs: Intro, Body, Conclusion with appropriate content

Opening

No letterhead, correct recipient, start with your street address, include the date

Correctness

File name and type (Word doc) Visible Track Changes

Letter of Complaint

Remember to submit your first draft!

Introduction

Introduce yourself as part of a group, organization, or community. Try describing the community first, then declaring yourself a representative or member of that community. Avoid starting with your name or other overused openings. See my sample letter to help you get started. Best practice: Say something nice!

• Loyal customer for years
• Pleasant previous experience / product
• Increases your credibility
• Makes your reader less defensive

Provide overview of PROBLEM / ISSUE and solution with professional tone.

Letter recipient

Audience

Write to the AELC Funding Foundation AELC Funding Foundation ATTN: Suzanne Mattison 15 Lloyd Ricks Watson Starkville, MS 39760

Closing

Sincerely, (or other appropriate closing) > > > (four blank lines reserved for a signature) > Your Typed Name Enclosure Notification is not required

A formal complaint's main objective is to find a solution. No matter your career plans, you will need the ability to problem solve. First, point out the problem, provide any relevant details the audience needs, then suggest a solution.

1st Draft

No formatting requirements for your first draft! Use this assignment to brainstorm your content Start with a blank Word document with the file name containing your name, our class, and the assignment name

Conclusion

Thank your reader Restate problem / issue from DB1 Restate possible solution(s) from DB1 Provide your preferred contact method (how about a made-up group email) YOUR specific action plan and timeline to follow-up on this letter

Recipient

AELC Funding Foundation ATTN: Suzanne Mattison 15 Lloyd Ricks Watson Starkville, MS 39760

Letter Content

Complaint Topic

Review Discussion Board 1 to see your group's selected topic with the required solution

Body Paragraph

Professionally justify problem with the FACTS Try explaining the consequences of issue / problem from your own knowledge Avoid source material Provide a logical solution (see DB1 for solution requirements) to specifically address any CAUSES or CONSEQUENCES you mention