How To Write A Correct Formal Letter . Place the date directly below your address writing the month as a word. Include the full date you wrote the letter. 15+ Proper Letter Formats Sample, Example, Format Sample Templates from www.sampletemplates.com Use a formal salutation, not a first name, unless you know the person well. It is punctuated with a comma. Include the recipient's name and contact information after the date, you should also include the recipient's name.