INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY 3(2+1)

Lesson 7 : Individual Contact Methods

Personal letter

Personal letter is written by the extension agent to particular farmer or homemaker in connection with extension work. This should not be regarded as a substitute for personal contact.

Objectives

1. To answer to queries relating to problems of farm and home
2. To send information or seek cooperation on important extension activities

Principles to be followed:

1. Promptness: A letter asking information should be answered promptly, because the person writing the letter has more than passing interest in the matter and will be likely to use information which provides a satisfactory solution to his problem. Remember that information delayed in information denied.

2. Put yourself in the other fellow’s shoes- Have a genuine concern for the other fellow’s interest, view point, limitations and desires

3. The letter should be:

• Complete – Give all necessary information to accomplish its purpose
• Concise – Say what you have to say in the fewest words consistent with clearness, completeness and courtesy
• Clear – So that it not only can be understood but cannot be misunderstood
• Correct – Containing no miss-statement of facts, or grammatical mistakes etc
• Courteous – Tone appropriate for the desired response. How something is said as important as what is said
• Neat – Free from over-writings, striking etc.
• Readable – Short sentences, short words and human interest make for easy reading