Memorandum
To: Evan Crisp
From: Rodrigo Samayoa, Student – ENGL301
November 11, 2020
Subject: Writing with you-attitude
Dear Evan,
Thank you for coming to me for advice on how to solicit a response from your professor. This letter is a great opportunity to talk about you-attitude and reader-centered writing. Below are some tips that my class learned this term, which may be helpful to you .
- Writing emails and letters that emphasize the reader’s point of view helps put the reader’s needs front and centre.
- Emphasizing why the English professor would want a new student in his class is more effective than asking him to go out of his way to do a favour to a student.
- Demonstrating genuine interest in the course will make the professor more receptive to accepting new students into the course. Professors want to work with students who are engaged and interested in the subject matter.
- Making the professor and his course feel appreciated can go a long way in building a connection.
- Starting the letter with “Dear Dr. Lambert,” or “Dear. Professor Lambert,” and adding proper etiquette throughout demonstrates respect and will make the professor more receptive. Keeping in mind that professors have spent years earning their position, it’s important to address them with the respect their position and title deserves.
In short, you want your letter to be positive, emphasize the benefit to the reader and show appreciation and correct etiquette. To rephrase John F. Kennedy’s famous quote, show not what the professor can do for you, show you can do for the professor.
I hope these tips were helpful to you. Please get in touch if you have any more questions about the you-attitude writing style.
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