Congratulations
Look for opportunities to congratulate others on their accomplishments or happy occasions. Congratulatory note can nurture a casual acquaintance into a full-blooming friendship. And for those who are really friends, special events take on added significance when shared and recognized by those we care about and love.
With that in mind, offer your immediate congratulations on the event, award, honor, or occasion. Be as informal or "gushy" as your friendship allows. If you're pleased, say so; if you're surprised, say so; if you're thrilled, let your emotions show.
Be specific with your comments. Why exactly does the person deserve the recognition or award? Your specific praising comments give the reader time to "enjoy" the event or honor once again.
"I heard you completed the entire marathon in the top 10."
"Betsy tells me that you were selected for the honor among competition that included more than 400 peers. That's phenomenal."
"I understand that you had to give over 250 presentations to win this distinction. What a feat!"
The others want to know for sure that you understand the difficulties in any achievement, the honor in any award, or the pleasure in any event.
Be personal and genuine. Avoid a tone that sounds global, vague, and boilerplate with clichéd statements and sentiments. If a particular phrase seems to "roll off your tongue," that's a good sign that it is a clichéd expression. Try to reward the sentiment with less familiar phrasing.
Your personal note demonstrates that you're the kind of friend or associate who feels excitement and pride rather than jealousy when someone else receives recognition or experiences happy occasions.
Anniversary
Margo and Kevin,
Rumor has it that you two have spent 20 wonderful years together. Congratulations on having chosen your life's partner so well, for growing more in love through the years, and for being a role model for the rest of the world. In this day and age, marriages like yours should never be taken for granted, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you both continued love and happiness together. Have a special celebration.
Cordially,
Dear Paul,
I am so proud of you. You have grown into a terrific young man, and you truly deserve this day and all the recognition it involves.
The way I hear it, you've been studying very hard (every night!) to make your Bar Mitzvah readings and recitations perfect. You'll do wonderfully well in school and in life because that is how you do things----with attention to the details and with full enthusiasm.
Congratulations, kiddo. (I have to call you "kiddo" this one last time because after this weekend you'll be too grown-up.) Soon you'll be a man. And nothing could make me prouder or happier for you. This weekend makes a significant event in your life and in the life of our family.
Best wishes,
Birth
Mina and Raphael,
The long nights walking the floor, the cross-country vacations with stops every half hour, the babysitters who set your curfews----your lives will soon be changing. But, of course, there will be sticky hugs and kisses, starring roles in school performances that will make you proud, and late-night chat sessions about boyfriends. Life will change for better and for the best. Congratulations on your precious baby daughter! Please continue to keep us up to date on the happenings in your lives.
Our best wishes,
Rachel,
It's your day! Take a long walk in the sunlight. Eat a banana split. Hug somebody special. Birthday should excite, thrill, and inspire you. You've made a good start, because all those people in my corner of the world are wishing you a terrific celebration. You are special to us. Keep counting.
Love,
Engagement or wedding
Sarah,
I've just heard the wonderful news---- that you've have found the love of your life. Timothy must be a brilliant man, a gentle and caring man, an ambitious man---- and a very wise man. He would have to be all those things to attract everyone like you. We're so happy for you. Enjoy each other's love every day for the rest of your lives.
Sincerely,
Heather,
Graduation marks a significant milestone in life. But the rest of everything is yet to come. We know you've worked hard, made excellent grades, and enjoyed many extracurricular activities to develop the skills and attitudes that will continue to make you successful in life. You have our best wishes as you take on the world ahead of you. We are very proud of you.
Cordially,
Opening own business
Dear Madison:
Congratulations on opening your own import-export business! You've accomplished what most people only spend their time talking about----real control over your life and your future.
Back in April when the government threw all that red tape at you, you know how tempted you were just to give up. But true to form, you stuck with it (even when the airlines lost your first shipment of jewelry!), and I know that you now feel all that difficulty has been worth the price of a promising future.
I have every confidence in your success and am so happy for you. Please keep me updated on your progress. I'll be looking forward to sending customers your way.
Regards,
Well look at you! Here you are at age "40-something" and going after your master's degree. It takes courage to do what you've done in switching careers (not to mention endless energy). I want you know that I admire your risk-taking mindset.
I'm also proud of you for standing up to the criticism that you've received from your family. I guess for some people, education is something to finish and put behind them. I know that for you, getting your MA has more significance than the diploma itself. It represents research into complex new theories, intelligent searching for self-fulfillment, and solid determination to prepare yourself for a new career in service to others.
Good luck to you in this and all the future goals you set for yourself. You've an excellent role model for all of us.
Sincerely,
Promotion
Example 1
Dear Brad:
I understand that you've just been appointed vice president in charge of production for the Commercial Film Institute. And the way I hear it, you were more than a little surprised. But I'm sure that no one deserves the honor more than you do.
Your past awards and commercial film success testify to your extraordinary talent. It must be wonderful to be recognized to your colleague as well, for the very same qualities.
Congratulations on your appointment. It's a fabulous opportunity and I have no doubt that you'll create all kinds of new opportunities for all of us in the industry as you fulfill your new leadership role.
My best regards,
Example 2
Dear Merisha,
I've heard a rumor turned out to be true for a change----you've been promoted! Congratulations. Am I correct to assume you didn't know about it back when we met for dinner in Sacramento?
In any case, the higher-ups couldn't have made a better choice. We all watched as you almost single-handedly pulled in the Sampson account. Dedication like that deserves to be recognized. I'm glad to see that people get what they deserve in this company. Creativity, good ideas, and hard work really do pay off in your case.
Good luck in your new capacity as director of new accounts.
Public recognition
Dear Mr. Paul,
It is a wonderful moment when a teacher and administrator as dedicated as you are receives the recognition she deserves. I saw the Channel 8 coverage on you and your career in the Fairview public school system several weeks ago and have been meaning to get in touch with you ever since.
You were my sixth-grade homeroom teacher in 1990. I recall that, even back then, you were the kind of person who knows how to motivate. Children can tell when an adult really cares about them, and you demonstrated that concern to us years ago, as you obviously do now.
If anyone deserves recognition for framing young minds, it's you. Thank you for caring. Thank you for teaching. I'm glad Channel 8 took the initiative in spotlighting your career and contribution to the community. Congratulations.
Warmest regards.
Publication in newspaper or journal
Dear Kim:
Someone mentioned to me that you are really going to have a paper published in ABD Journal. Congratulations! You had mentioned to me that you are involved in a research program that's centered around the connection between cancer and nutrition. But I had no idea your concepts and theories were so innovative.
I am anxious to read the article. During our brief group discussion at the party, I was titillated. You really have a mesmerizing delivery, even when you are just talking about your research. No doubt that quality comes through bright and clear in your writing. No wonder the publishers selected your work for publication.
The subject of the cancer-nutrition link is well timed too. I am thrilled that someone with your qualifications has spent the kind of time that such an important subject merits. Good luck with your future research.
Regards,
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