1. Introduction: Due to modern communication process and technology of the place and time limitations do not hinder any more. Person staying in any corner of the world can undertake communication at any time. The modern methods of communication are easy, fast and cheap so their use is going on increasing. Inspite of this in many cases even today letter writing is undertaken for many matters in business. The form of letter writing has changed but its importance has not been lost.
2. History of letter writing: The history of letter writing is quite ancient. In the olden days kings and emperors used to send messengers or pigeons to send secret and confidential information. Messages were written on leaves of the trees, pieces of cloth and thereafter on the piece of paper. Old historical manuscripts also mention about the exchange of communication. Post and telegraph department plays a major role in giving service of letters. Letter writing is not only important for commercial field but its importance has been accepted from social and political fields also. During the british rule for communication, letter writing got the maximum importance and for this post and telegraph department was introduced. After independence Indian government fulfiled the requirement of telegram and telephone. Over and above this post cards, Inland letters, envelopes etc mediums more used for letterwriting, which were cheap methods of communication.To undertake communication speedier, ‘Speedpost’ has been introduced by postal department with the increase in the demand of postal service even private angadias and courier companies have started giving similar services.
Due to scientific researches computer, Internet, E-mail, Fax, Telex and Telegram can be used for written communication. Due to these services people staying in any part of the world can be contacted.Inspite of introduction of modern methods the importance of letter writing has not reduced, as it is easy, convinient and less expensive.
3. What is Correspondence/Letter writing? : When a person or a firm writes a message informatio to another firm/person on physical paper and sends it with the help of postal department or private courier it is known as correspondence.
4. Characteristics of Correspondence/Letter writing : They are as follows:
(1) Simple and less expensive method: Letter writing is simple and less expensive method of corre-spondence. This method does not require to buy any material.
(2) Useful for both parties: It is important and useful for the writer and receiver of the letter. They both can understand information in a better way as it can be elaborated easily.
(3) No boundaries : Letter writing is free from boundaries like time, place and distance.
(4) Recognized as the evidance : It is recognized as the evidance of information for which the letter is written.
(5) Confidential : The contents of a letter can be kept, confidential by writing the words confidential or person on the envelope.
(6) Future Reference : If any need arises in future, the concerned information can be taken out and used for future references.
(7) Communication link: Letters can be easily sent and received. So, communication can be established with a person even if he/she staying far away.
(8) Silent Representative: Letter works as silent representatfve of the concerned firms.
(9) Establishes prestige: Good quality of paper and style writing helps to establish a good image of the firm or institution.
(10) Decisive Role: If any misunderstanding is created between sender and receiver, than letters can act as decision making tool.
5. Conclusion : The characteristics of letter writing prove its importance. Thelood letter writing skill is an easy way to have correct and precise correspondence.