Here's what it means:
* No punctuation after the salutation (e.g., "Dear Mr. Smith:")
* No punctuation after the complimentary close (e.g., "Sincerely,")
Why is open punctuation preferred?
* Modern and clean: It gives a modern and minimalist look, which is generally preferred in business communication.
* Simplicity: It's easier to read and follow, especially for emails and digital documents.
* Consistency: Many organizations and style guides recommend open punctuation for consistency.
However, it's essential to consider these points:
* Company policy: Some companies may have specific style guides that dictate punctuation. Always follow your company's preferred style.
* Context and audience: In certain formal contexts, closed punctuation (using a colon after the salutation and a comma after the complimentary close) might be more appropriate.
* Personal preference: Ultimately, the choice is yours, but open punctuation is generally the preferred style for business letters today.
Here's an example of a business letter using open punctuation:
Dear Mr. Smith
Thank you for your recent inquiry about our products.
Sincerely
[Your Name]