Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification Practice Exam

Is it true or false that business letters and memos should be written using the same tone?

1. True

2. False

3. Only casual letters

4. Depends on the audience

The correct answer is: False

The statement that business letters and memos should be written using the same tone is false. While both forms of communication are used in a professional context, they often serve different purposes and audiences, which can necessitate different tones. Business letters tend to be more formal and are typically used for external communication, such as correspondence with clients, vendors, or other organizations. They often include elements like a formal greeting, a clear structure, and a polite closing. On the other hand, memos are generally more informal and are usually intended for internal communication within an organization. They can employ a more conversational tone, as they are often used to convey quick updates, announcements, or informal messages among colleagues. In summary, the distinct purposes and audiences for business letters and memos mean that they do not always share the same tone, which supports the idea that the statement is false.