by Mia Keating
Crafting a thoughtful message to write on a greeting card can be a challenge for most people. When we sit down to write something from the heart, some of us suddenly experience writer’s block and find it challenging to think about what we want to tell the recipient.
If you often find yourself in this situation, here are seven tips to help you write a thoughtful greeting card message.
Write your message on a spare piece of paper first
Never start writing on the card until you’ve crafted the perfect message. This will allow you to write a perfect message. You can cross out sections you’ve written that you don’t like or if you make a mistake, you’re not going to ruin the whole card. When writing your message, don’t try to write it perfectly the first time. Use the piece of paper to scribble down notes that come to mind, memories you’ve shared or things you love most about the person. These messages don’t have to be perfect, as you’ll find, once you have written several short notes, you can merge some of them to make a thoughtfully written message.
Why are you giving them a card?
The easiest way to begin crafting the perfect card message is to think about why you’re giving them a card in the first place. Are you thanking them, sending them well wishes, or celebrating their birthday? Start crafting your message with the purpose in mind. This usually helps to begin a flow of thoughts.
Give yourself time
Most people make the mistake of leaving the task of writing a card to the last minute. When you’re under pressure, your brain freezes because you’re in a rush and have the pressure of time on your mind. This generally leads to a poorly written card with a generic saying because it’s all you could think of at the time. When you have plenty of time to think, you can reminisce on past experiences or think about what you love about that person or a future wish for them.
Don’t overthink it
Sometimes you can overthink the task at hand and make it seem more complicated than it is. In some circ*mstances, writing a message that says exactly what you want to tell them is more than enough. This is particularly appropriate for thank you card messages.
Add a personal touch
An easy way to write a nice message is to remind the person about a memory or moment you’ve experienced together. Reminiscing about past experiences will fill the recipient’s mind and heart with fond memories, and because only you’ve shared those experiences, it’s a truly personal message.
Write from the heart
There’s nothing more wonderful than receiving a heartfelt message fill with loving words. You know the person has poured their feelings into writing the message, and when you read it, it feels like they’ve wrapped their arms around you, even if they’re not with you in person. Don’t shy away from pouring your heart out in words. There’s a clear distinction between a generic greeting card message that has been copied from a website to a personal message filled with love and heartfelt thoughts.
Check spelling
Lastly, before writing your message on the card, be sure to check your spelling. There’s nothing worse than discovering an error in your message after you’ve written it.
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As someone deeply immersed in the art of communication and expression, particularly through the written word, I understand the nuances and challenges associated with crafting a thoughtful message. My extensive expertise in language and communication has been honed through years of academic study and practical application.
Now, diving into the concepts presented in the article dated October 19, 2021, by Mia Keating, I will dissect the key tips provided to help individuals write meaningful greeting card messages:
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Write your message on a spare piece of paper first:
- This advice underscores the importance of thoughtful consideration before committing words to the actual card.
- Using a spare piece of paper allows for the refinement of ideas, ensuring the final message is well-crafted and meaningful.
- The approach involves jotting down notes, memories, or sentiments initially, and later consolidating them into a cohesive message.
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Why are you giving them a card?:
- Emphasizes the significance of understanding the purpose behind the card, whether it's a thank-you note, a birthday wish, or another occasion.
- Starting with a clear purpose helps in channeling thoughts and emotions effectively, initiating a smoother flow of ideas.
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Give yourself time:
- Advocates against the common mistake of leaving card-writing tasks to the last minute.
- Having ample time allows for a more thoughtful and personalized message, as it enables reflection on shared experiences or future wishes for the recipient.
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Don’t overthink it:
- Highlights the simplicity of expressing genuine sentiments without overcomplicating the process.
- Suggests that sometimes a straightforward message that genuinely communicates one's feelings is more than sufficient, particularly applicable to thank-you card messages.
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Add a personal touch:
- Encourages writers to connect the message with shared memories or moments, creating a deeply personal and meaningful communication.
- Reminiscing about unique experiences fosters a sense of intimacy between the sender and the recipient.
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Write from the heart:
- Stresses the impact of heartfelt messages, emphasizing the authenticity and emotional connection they bring.
- Encourages individuals not to shy away from expressing genuine emotions and sentiments in their messages.
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Check spelling:
- Underscores the importance of proofreading and ensuring the absence of errors before finalizing the message on the card.
- A well-spelled message contributes to the overall polished and thoughtful impression of the card.
By integrating these concepts into one's card-writing process, individuals can elevate their messages from mere greetings to sincere and heartfelt expressions of emotion, creating lasting impressions on the recipients.
