, we explain the rationale behind an apology letter and explain

how to write the pain our actions have caused to someone. When
you have done something wrong, an apology is a good option to
rebuild the relationship with the other party. In this article one
with examples of some successful letters. An apology is a mode
through which we express regret over our actions and
acknowledge

Writing an effective apology letter can help you rebuild your relationships when
you have done something wrong or made a mistake. When the time comes to
write an apology letter you might wonder how to start, what to say and how long it
is required to be. Here are some tips to help you write an effective apology letter:

• Show honesty and do not hesitate to apologise. Honesty is the

key to apology, so ensure that your apology letter conveys a
genuine emotion of regret. If your letter comes across as
impersonal, the reader may not appreciate the gesture. Keep in
mind the difficulty caused to the other person and their feelings
and respond accordingly. A prompt apology creates the impression
that you have acknowledged the mistake and truly regret it.
Apologies for minor mistakes, such as hurting someone
unintentionally, are often accepted quickly, but for major incidents,
you might be required to wait for some time for everyone to cool
down so that they can accept your apology and forgive you.
• Do not make excuses. Do not give explanations for your fault.
Explanations can be construed as excuses, and these can go against
you. Excuses create the impression that you are not accepting your
fault. Ensure that you wholeheartedly say the words “I am sorry” or
“I apologise” and your body language is required to convey the
message that you are really sorry for your act.
• Be unselfish. One of the major temptations while writing an
apology letter is to try to redirect blame onto others. Note that it is
important to take full responsibility for your actions, even if it may
mar your reputation or hurt your ego. Additionally, make it clear
 that you are willing to make personal sacrifices if necessary to make
things right.
• Take responsibility. Say sorry and promptly admit that you were
wrong. For example, you can say “Since I was late, the project team
could not achieve the daily targets in the given period.”
• Ensure that the mistake would not be repeated. Explain how you
plan to fix the problem to avoid repetition. For example, if the team
has missed a deadline due to your late arrival, make it clear to your
team members that you have re-scheduled your time-table in a way
that, starting next time, you would be there well in advance. You
might also seek the opinion of the person to whom you are
apologising if there is anything else you can do to remedy the
situation.
• Stand by your word. If you are committing that you would
complete the task at a particular time, then stand by your word and
complete it to show others that your apology is real. In this way,
you can also prove that you can be trusted.
• Think over the mode of apology. In some cases, based on the
gravity of the matter and your relationship with the affected
person, you might choose to send the apology letter by post or
email. In other cases, you may want to deliver it in person. For
example, if your mistake was minor and if you and the affected
parties are equals in the workplace, a simple email would probably
be sufficient. But, if your mistake affects your boss or your entire
team, it would be better to print the letter and deliver it in person to
the boss. You can also opt for a middle path, in which you apologise
via email and ask the affected persons if they want to meet in
person to discuss the matter further. Irrespective of the situation,
the most important thing to focus on is honesty, sincerity and
humility.
• Be conscious of the legal ramifications. Keep in mind that the law
in some countries and regions may interpret the apology as an
admission of guilt or liability. So, if required, consult a legal
professional before you extend an apology, but do not use this as
an excuse to not apologise unless significant risk is involved.
• Do not expect instant pardon. Keep in mind that the affected
person may not so easily forget the situation and forgive you for
what happened. Give that person some time to cool down. For
example, after an apology, you could say, "I can understand your
situation and I know that it is not so easy to forgive me. I simply
wanted to say how sorry I am. You would see that I am changing
my behaviour."