Sample 28:   Sample Request for a Favor
    Associated Chicago Accountants
PO Box 4135    ·    Chicago, IL 60646-4135
847-555-1999    ·    http://www.audit.com
      
    June 1, 20xx
      
      
      
    Dr. Alicia Lauderman
Department of Accountancy
College of Commerce
Illinois Institute of Trade
Ruston, IL 61272
     
    Dear Dr. Lauderman:
     
Pace the reader's expectation with a question about a common concern.   How many accountants actually understand the principles of business communication? Your article in The Journal of Business Communication pointed out some rather serious shortcomings in letters and reports written by accountants.
     
Use the you-attitude to help maintain the reader's interest.   Many of us in The Associated Chicago Accountants agree with you that the typical accountant writes cold, formal letters that can be understood only by other accountants. We'd like to change that, and your expert opinion would be a big help in persuading our members to write better letters.
      
Provide the details the reader needs to make a decision.   As the speaker at our annual Accountants' Banquet, you'd have the pleasure of presenting your ideas to 150 receptive accountants who would be willing to share their letter-writing problems with you.

You would be our guest at the magnificent banquet, which I guarantee to be more than just another convention meal, to be held at the Palmer House at 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 14. The schedule for the program is as follows:

     Cocktails:  6:00 - 6:30
     Dinner:   6:30 - 8:00
     Presentation:   8:00 - 8:45
     Questions and Answers:   8:45 - 9:00
     Entertainment and Dancing:   9:00 - 1:00

     
Specify the compensation in positive terms.   In addition to a $250 honorarium, you would have our sincere appreciation for your contribution to the education of our membership. We would naturally reimburse you for transportation, hotel accommodations at the Palmer House for the night of the 14th, and any other expenses associated with your presentation to our group.
     
Set and justify an end date. Repeat the main reader benefit.   Because the program for the Annual Banquet must go to the printer on August 15, we'd appreciate receiving your decision on the 1st. Please give me a call at 800/555-2121 to let me know. The Associated Chicago Accountants would be glad to hear your presentation of the principles of business communication on September 14.
     
    Sincerely,
     
     
     
    Roger Clarke, CPA
  
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