How to Write Sympathy Letters and Notes: 40 Ready-To-Use Letters

Dianna Booher

Jan 2012 · Booher Consultants

About this ebook

Are you saddened but unsure about how best to express your deep feelings in the face of sorrow or tragedy? In sympathy situations, friends and family have the greatest need to hear from you. Don't leave them wondering about your lack of concern. Begin your letter or note with a straightforward comment about your feelings-your sadness, your shock, your sorrow, or your concern. Mention something positive you remember about the individual or, if you did not know him or her personally, recall something you've heard others say. Let the reader know that you understand the extent of the loss or the painful situation in the case of a misfortune. But do show sensitivity. Avoid adding gruesome details or increasing the pain. If possible, and if you're sincere, offer to help in some specific way: Be brief. You don't need to go into all the details of the situation-how you heard the news or what so-and-so told you. Your caring concern in "I am so sorry" speaks volumes. Close with a comforting phrase-a final thought that reflects your concern and is appropriate to your relationship with the person. Make your words genuine and personal-as if you were talking face to face. This is not a task that you should delegate to someone else. Use your personal stationery or card. Typically, you should write the note by hand. But if you're writing to a business colleague or client, a typed letter is acceptable-depending on the closeness of the association.If you'd like to make the sympathy letter writing process even easier, we can help even more. If you still can't find the right words to express comfort, try our professionally written package of sympathy letters and notes.You'll find sample sympathy letters for both personal and business situations: Personal Sympathy and Business Sympathy Letters Death of a child Death of a parent Death of a spouse Death of other relatives Miscarriage Death of pet Personal failures Disaster-loss of home Disaster-loss of business Business failure Financial ruin Loss of job-friend Loss of job-coworker Get well soon Terminal illness-friend Terminal illness-acquaintance Wedding-cancelled Divorce-to parents of those getting divorce Divorce-to friend or relative getting divorce Criminal conviction Crime victim

About the author

Dianna Booher has published over 37 books and is the founder and CEO of her own training firm, Booher Consultants, Inc. She has worked with 25 of the 50 largest corporations in America and 227 of the Fortune 500 companies. She is a Certified Speaking Professional, a designation held by fewer than 300 professionals the world.