Closing Responsive and Initiative Documents

The purpose of a closing is to bring your document to an appropriate conclusion. You do not want your reader to wonder what to do next or end on a note of uncertainty. In a closing, you might suggest next steps, summarize agreements, restate the main message, thank the reader, offer further help, or suggest action.

Whether your document is responsive or initiative, how you close depends on your purpose. If there is an action that you are requesting the reader to take, you must say so. Similarly, if there is a deadline, you must include it in the closing. 

Closings may also depend upon the tone of the document or the relationship you have with your readers. For example, if you are writing a very informal e-mail to someone you work with all the time, you may not need to write a closing.

Here are some examples of effective closings:

• I have additional information for anyone who is interested.
• Send your questions to [X] through [A].
• I’d be happy to move forward with purchasing the Tektronix if you agree.
• I will let you know if any problems arise from these new procedures. In the meantime, you might want to update Amsale Belaye on them.