3.5. Guidelines to find your best written apology options

When to use

Comments

FORMAT

Handwritten

When the recipient of the apology was affected at a personal level.

When the recipient is older and perhaps more traditional or conservative in character. In this case a personal touch will be appreciated.

When the relationship is intimate and you want to add a personal touch.

Taking the time to write a letter by hand speaks volumes about the importance you assign to the apology and the respect you have for the recipient.

Typed

When you’re dealing with a business relationship or a non-personal relationship 9e.g. parent to teacher, fellow club member).

A typed apology is appropriate in all business situations, although this should often be followed or preceded by a verbal apology.

Card

When you want to start with a pre-written sentiment or add some relevant visual content to your apology letters.

This is certainly one of the easiest approaches, but pre-scripted messages may ring hollow in some cases. A blank card with your written message is a common compromise.

Paper

When typing an apology.

When the apology is business related.

Stationery or good quality paper should be used for apology letters whenever possible, especially in business.

LENGTH

Letter

When the infraction is major or when the repercussions are significant.

More often than not the length of the apology will be determined by the severity of the offence.

Itemizing the implications of your error will help to convey your willingness to accept responsibility.

Note

When the mistake is minor and the hurt caused minimal.

When you feel a card format would add a nice touch.

A quick note is a nice way to excuse yourself for something minor or insignificant but important enough to be addressed nonetheless.

DELIVERY

Priority Mail

When the mistake was serious.

When the relationship is more formal or distant.

When time is of the essence, but email is too informal.

Emphasizes your commitment to making things right again by showing the recipient that you took the time to write the apology, went to the post office, and paid extra to have it delivered quickly.

Sending apology letters by priority post is less appropriate for close or intimate relationships, unless the person is likely to be out of town for an extended period.

Regular Mail

Appropriate for most situations.

Shows concern for the situation and gives the recipient the time to think things over prior to responding.

E-mail

Email may be the best (and fastest) approach if that’s the way you typically communicate with this person, but using an approach that is NOT typical (a written letter) may be the better choice in some situations.

Email can be an appropriate way of delivering apology letters.

However, keep in mind that it lacks the personal touch of a handwritten letter and doesn’t have the same impact as opening an envelope and reading a letter while holding it in your hands.

Hand Delivered

When the relationship is close or intimate.

When you feel more comfortable expressing yourself in writing, even in an intimate relationship.

When you want the person you hurt to have something tangible that reflects how sorry you are.

Depending on the severity of the infraction (the recipient may not be open to seeing you at all), this is an ideal way to resolve the impasse in the relationship by combining the benefits of both a verbal and written apology.