Write a Letter of Encouragement

Edited by Timbuktu, Charmed, Laurel Waddell, Christine dela Cruz and 8 others

We often hear encouraging speeches or inspirational phrases on a television program or in a movie. Something grabs our attention and stirs something within us. Sometimes, what we hear is so moving and uplifting, we rewind the movie just to hear it again. Perhaps we do an online search online to find the exact wording, and post it on our Facebook page to inspire others. Maybe we write it down and keep it safe, knowing we'll use it some day, because the words were so powerful we are compelled to share it with someone.

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This kind of encouragement can be so significant and life affirming when the person giving the encouragement is expressing it honestly, clearly, and with sincere passion. The emotion is communicated by facial expression, body language, and by the tone of voice.

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Is it possible to express these powerful sentiments in a letter without the nuances of face-to-face communication? How do you express encouragement or inspiration to someone without the advantage of their hearing your voice, with all its inflections and intonations? You can do this, but you'll have to write using descriptive words that evoke strong emotions and promote introspection. You'll need to write expressively, that leaves the reader confident of your support and encouragement.

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A letter of encouragement is often prompted by a circumstance that needs to be endured or a difficulty that needs to be overcome by the person you're writing to. Sincerity is important, as empty platitudes are not going to be helpful in this situation. If you don't believe they can get through whatever the situation is, don't tell them they can do it. You really need to believe what you're writing, and be truthful. If you don't believe they can get through whatever it is, maybe think again about writing the letter. The lack of sincerity will be evident.

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On the other hand, this may be a letter of encouragement that deals with the business place, and not with any kind of struggle or sorrow. A practical note encouraging an employee still need to be as expressive and clear to be effective. The right words to someone can change their life, and the wrong words, can be devastating. Although not as intense as someone who's facing a hurdle, a letter of encouragement or inspiration in a business setting needs to be just as expressive, honest and sincere.

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Samples of Encouraging Sentences

Here are a few examples of sentences you can use in a letter that's meant to inspire and/or encourage.

Business

  • I want to encourage your team to be more aggressive in its endeavor to control shoplifting.
  • Your success in the past gives me the confidence you will excel in this new position.
  • The last project you managed had results that went above and beyond our expectations. This is why we are so sure you are the person to lead this next project.
  • I just wanted to take a moment to tell you that all of us in management have noticed what a wonderful job you're doing.
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Personal

  • You can overcome. Remember how much you love challenges; you have encountered so many in your past. I believe in you. You can do it again!
  • The former President Lincoln may have experienced defeat many times, and like you, he never gave up.
  • I have faith in your strength and integrity to get past this difficult time. I am here for whatever you need.
  • I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I respect the grace with which you are handling this very difficult situation. I'm so proud of you. You are an inspiration to all of us.
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How To Write And Keep It Real

  1. 1
    Admit that there is an adverse situation at the moment.
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  2. 2
    Mention the issue or problem.
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  3. 3
    Indicate conviction that the situation can be overcome.
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  4. 4
    Suggest how the situation can be overcome.
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  5. 5
    Reinforce your faith that they are empowered, and will overcome.
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  6. 6
    Let them know how proud you are of them.
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  7. 7
    If appropriate, tell them you love them.
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Sample Letter

Dear Mr. Wickham:

Recent inventories indicate that the new product we are currently manufacturing has not resulted in the expected increase in productivity.

The managers will have a meeting next week to share new ideas to increase our productivity.

I am fully confident that once the difficulties have been resolved, our production levels will meet and even exceed previous figures.

Sincerely, (You name)

Dear John.

I just heard how nervous you are about your upcoming job interview. I want to remind you how well you interviewed in the past.

Just be yourself and let your outstanding job history speak for itself.

I have every confidence that you will be great, and soon you'll be moving into this new position.

Your friend and coworker (Your name)

Sally,

You have no idea how sorry I was to learn of your mother's passing. I know how much you loved her, how devastated you must be.

In this time of sorrow, I just want you to know I'm thinking of you, and sending you lots of love. I have seen you be strong so many times in your life for so many. Now is the time to let others be strong for you.

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You did an amazing job with the funeral. It was a beautiful testament to your mother's life. You sent her to God with dignity and grace. I know she would be so proud of you right now.

I am here. If there is anything you need, or just someone to be with, do not hesitate to call, text, email me - and I'll be there in a heartbeat.

Much Love (Your Name)

Being in a position to offer written encouragement can be daunting, but it can also be rewarding. Knowing you have brightened someone's day, offered a solution to a problem or empowered a friend, can give you a tremendous sense of satisfaction.

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Benefits of Giving Encouragement

  1. 1
    They are not alone
    .
    It's important that someone doesn't feel alone when working on a project or task, especially if the task is daunting. It's always more difficult to work alone, and the knowledge that there is someone there to support him; someone who recognizes what he is going through, how difficult the task is, and what a good job he's doing, can impart confidence, motivation, and inspiration.
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  2. 2
    It helps the person focus on the task
    .
    A kind word or two regarding the job someone's doing, the way they're handling it, and an offer of support will alleviate a lot of fear and worry, leading to a more focused employee, which, in turn, leads to more effective work, and improved output.
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  3. 3
    It facilitates teamwork and camaraderie
    .
    If encouragement is given to the entire team, they will work better together, and more effectively. You will install pride in the workers, who will in turn, have more pride in their work. It creates an overall feeling of good will toward each other. This kind of dynamic within a team is often the one that leads to very productive work, and successful projects.
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  4. 4
    Confidence builder
    .
    You can give someone so much confidence just by telling them what a good job their doing, and that you believe in them. A letter of encouragement recognizing either an accomplishment, or the difficulty of a task, will go far when it comes to boosting someone's self esteem. It makes someone feel valued because of the encouragement and help you offered, and the time you took the time to write a letter.
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  5. 5
    Uplifting
    .
    Any form of encouragement improves the overall mood of a person, whether it's delivered verbally or in writing, creates a positive working environment, and a positive working environment brings out the most creative ideas. The ability to focus relies on not having other things on your employee's mind, including second guessing themselves.
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Questions and Answers

Guide me to write a letter to a prisoner?

I would like to write a letter to a prisoner.

First you need to check the Department of Corrections website where he is confined to check for rules and regulations regarding mailing letters. Make sure that you mark each page with the prisoner's name before you mail the envelope. Look for funny or special greeting cards and send those as encouragement. If you know what their hobby is, you may be able to send materials or articles for his hobby, depending on the rules. CAUTION: Any personal information you share, including photos, will not be private.

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Help with a letter to encourage employees with new management to cheerfully move forward?

We're having a team building meeting and we want to convey how important the team is, and how we want to build camaraderie in our business environment. I have tried: We have calendared the Team Builder Meeting. I think it was caused by: New management has come in and needs to get folks on their side to have others perceive the IT department as Valuable Addition.

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In your letter you should make it more of an invitation and call it a Meet and Greet. Consider what each employee's strength is. Barbara has organization skills. Timothy is great at time management. You can make them funny if you wish to break the ice. Award your employees with a certificate of what they are specialized in. If your group is large, have the managers rally their departments and play a game against the other departments. This will help the employees and managers have fun while learning how to work together as a team.

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Writing to an immigrant detention center?

I have to write a letter of encouragement to someone in an immigrant detention center, and I have no idea where to start.

You'll need the address of the facility the person is being held in, as well as their Identification number. If you want to send money, many detention centers have money sent to a different location, and then it's deposited into their prison account, so make sure both the address and the ID number are correct. Cards of encouragement will break up the monotony of the prison walls, as most inmates are allowed to hang up the cards, so look for cards that are visually stimulating and interesting.

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How to write an encouragement letter to a teenager?

Looking for information on writing a letter of encouragement to a teenager.

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It's for a little 8-year old boy who needs encouragement in school?

I would like to make this a cheerful letter of encouragement for him. He is such a nice kid. He is not misbehaving; I just want to give him a surprise letter of encouragement. I have tried: Today is his 1st day. I think it was caused by: Don't really know. I work with his mom and she asked 5 of her close friends to do this. I've met this jolly little fellow. Sometimes surprises are great, makes one feel good.

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What a fabulous idea! Kudos to your friend for thinking of such a great way to motivate and empower her son. Start with - I heard tomorrow is your first day, etc. Tell him that you think he's pretty wonderful, and you're sure the kids and teachers at school will feel the same way. Tell him you believe in him, and that the school is lucky to have him.

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Hope this helps.

Letters of encouragement to my grandson?

Need help on letters of encouragement to a grandson

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Why I should my business get funding, please help me I need to motivate them?

HI. my name is Rachel. I want to write a motivation convincing a company why I am the best candidate and why they should fund my business. I am applying for funding in the agriculture sector

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Yes I need to encourage my daughter who is going to dance camp?

Yes I need to encourage my daughter who is going to dance camp not sure what to say she is 17

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Improve offshore maintenance which impacting production uptime?

Too many equipment failures and breakdowns resulting in lost time production. How do I offer words of encouragement to improve maintenance strategy

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Having a hard time starting off. How do I start writing words of encourage to a group of women of God?

I need to write words of encouragement to a group of women of God to uplife and everlasting encouragement. to seek God in what I say to the women of God.

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If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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Categories : Writing

Recent edits by: DeleteQnA, Jay, Nuance

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