What is the first step in composing a business letter?

The initial step in composing a business letter is to gather information and jot down important points. This phase is crucial because it involves identifying the purpose of the letter and ensuring that all relevant details are captured. By collecting necessary information beforehand, you can create a clear and focused message that meets the needs of the recipient. This foundational stage allows the writer to organize thoughts and prioritize content, making the subsequent steps, such as formatting and proofreading, much more straightforward and efficient.

In contrast, formatting the letter pertains to the layout and overall presentation, which comes after ideas are formed. Proofreading for grammar focuses on refining the text for errors, which is also a later stage in the writing process. Reviewing old letters for wording is useful but typically follows the gathering of current information to maintain relevance and accuracy in the new correspondence. Thus, ensuring that the core message and content are established first is fundamental for effective communication in business letters.