This document provides tips for writing a letter of request. It defines a request letter as asking the recipient to do something they are not obligated to do and may not have time for. It recommends following a proven structure for persuasive writing and making the request in writing so the recipient can consider it privately without pressure. Key tips include asking politely without demanding, showing how helping benefits the recipient, and clearly stating what is being requested.
2. I. Definition
• A request is a letter asking the recipient to do
something he or she does not have to do, may
not have time to do, or may not want to do.
• Therefore, pay particular attention to the
structure given for each letter; these are time-
tested formulas for persuasive writing that
have been proven to work.
3. • A letter is an ideal
medium for requesting
a favor. Making the
request in writing
allows the other
person to think it over
in the privacy of her
own home or office,
without the pressure
of you standing there
waiting for an answer,
or the potential for
embarrassment (for
both of you) if you are
turned down.
4. Tips for Requesting a Favor
• • Ask politely. Do not demand or threaten.
• • Show the reader what’s in it for her. Prove
your case.
• • Say exactly what you hope she will do for
you.