I want to correct the
misconceptions people have towards letter and statement. People often use both
words interchangeably I’ve even searched countless number of websites none has
given me a clear explanation to this two message transmission medium there
seemed to be no difference between the two. Therefore I will be stating the
differences between letter and statement files.
The letter and statement
I’m talking about here is not alphabetical letters or any kind of statement we make
every single day rather it is the officially accepted letter and statement used
for the purpose of passing information formally or supporting documents in an
application process.
I will start with clear
definition of both
Letter
A letter is a written,
typed or printed message passed from one point to another that contains useful information.
It can be used as supporting documents in any application.
Statement
A statement is a definite
or clear expression of something in speech or written format. It can also be
used as supporting documents in any application.
Differences between letter and statement
Now, we can see that the
definition has given a clear meaning to these two forms of message transmission
medium although some similarity exists between the both of them. Here are the
differences.
1. Format
The format used in
writing a letter is completely different from that of a statement which is also known as template.
Letter format
It is always in written
format. Here are lists of components in a letter
a) Address
b) Salutation
c) Heading
d) Body of the letter
e) Complimentary close or valediction
Formal letter template
Informal letter template
Depending on the letter
that is written if it is a formal letter the required address is always two, e.g.
address of the writer and that of the receiver while informal letter requires
address of the writer only.
Statement format
It is either in written
or speech format as given in the definition. No address is needed, the
components are:
a) Heading
b) Main body
The main body includes;
I.
Introduction
II.
Body
paragraph
III.
Conclusion
Statement template
Formal and informal
statements are always in the same format
2. Details discussed
The mode of discussion in
a letter is different from that of a statement. Without wasting time letter go
straight to the point along with few details while statement shows full details
on the point discussed with lots of examples.
This sums up the major
differences between letters and statements.
Note: Letters and written
statements can serve the same purpose, for instance, a letter of intent (LOI)
can be used as a statement of purpose or statement of intent but the format by
which they are written is different. If someone tells me that statement of
purpose is the same as statement of intent I wouldn’t argue because statement
of intent is synonymous to statement of purpose. Nevertheless letter of intent format is different from statement of purpose or intent format but can serve the same
purpose. Finally the similarity between them is in their uses and not in the
way they are written so when next you’re asked to submit a letter or statement
knowing the difference is very vital.
I have posted content on "letter of intent" very
soon I will be posting about "statement of purpose/intent" under
LETTER SAMPLES AND GUIDE category in order to help differentiate between letter and
statement.
Stay tuned to ojaygist
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