The Forgotten Power of a Simple PS
You’ve just signed your name at the bottom of a heartfelt thank-you note, a formal business proposal, or a long-overdue letter to a friend. As you prepare to seal the envelope, a final, crucial thought pops into your head. It’s too important to leave out, but rewriting the entire letter feels impossible.
This is the exact moment the postscript, or PS, was invented for. Far from being a mere afterthought, a well-crafted PS is a strategic tool. It can emphasize your most important point, add a personal touch that softens a formal message, or share a final piece of news with charming spontaneity.
Yet, in our age of emails and instant messages, the art of writing a compelling PS has faded. Many people hesitate, unsure of the proper format, placement, or tone. Is it professional? Does it go before or after your signature? How do you make it work for you, rather than look like a mistake?
This guide will demystify the postscript. We’ll walk through its traditional rules, modern adaptations, and psychological impact, giving you the confidence to use this powerful little addendum in any letter you write.
Understanding the Postscript: More Than an Afterthought
The term “postscript” comes from the Latin “post scriptum,” which literally means “written after.” Historically, it served a purely practical purpose. Before word processors and digital editing, adding a forgotten sentence to a handwritten or typed letter meant starting over.
The PS provided a simple, elegant solution: write it after your signature. This convention has endured for centuries, carrying with it a unique rhetorical weight. Because it appears after the formal close, a PS naturally draws the reader’s eye. Studies on reading patterns show that people often skim the opening and conclusion of a document first, making your PS a high-visibility real estate.
In modern communication, the PS has evolved. While its traditional use remains valid, it now often functions as a deliberate stylistic choice. Marketers use PS sections in sales letters to restate a core offer or create urgency. Personal letters use them for intimate, off-the-cuff remarks that wouldn’t fit the main body’s flow.
The key is intentionality. A random, trivial PS can undermine your message. A strategic one can reinforce it beautifully.
The Standard Format and Placement
Getting the mechanics right is the first step to using a PS effectively. The format is refreshingly simple and consistent.
Place your PS after your signature block. This means after your handwritten or typed name, and after any titles or contact information you’ve included.
Start the line with the abbreviation “PS” or “P.S.” Both are acceptable, though “PS” without periods is becoming more common in digital formats. Follow it with a period or colon. The choice is stylistic; a colon can feel slightly more formal, while a period is standard.
Then, simply write your additional sentence or brief paragraph. There is no need to indent it. The PS should be left-aligned, just like the rest of your letter’s body.
Here is a visual example of the correct placement within a letter’s closing section:
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Director of Communications
PS: I’ve attached the quarterly report we discussed last Tuesday for your review.
Crafting a PS for Different Letter Types
The tone and content of your PS should always match the primary message of your letter. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Let’s break down the strategy for the most common scenarios.
The Formal Business Letter
In professional correspondence, a PS should be used sparingly and with clear purpose. It is not the place for new, major arguments or critical information that belongs in the body. Instead, use it for:
– Reinforcing a key action item or deadline.
– Mentioning a small, relevant attachment or enclosures.
– Adding a concise, professional courtesy, like wishing someone good luck on a related project.
Avoid anything overly personal or casual. Keep it brief, direct, and relevant to the business at hand.
Example: PS: Please note the proposal deadline is this Friday, EOD.
The Personal or Friendly Letter
This is where the PS truly shines. It allows for a burst of personality, warmth, or intimacy. Use it to:
– Share a quick, funny memory that just occurred to you.
– Add a heartfelt sentiment that feels more natural as an “aside.”
– Mention a tiny, practical detail you forgot, like “P.S. Your favorite cookies are in the mail!”
– Ask a casual, follow-up question.
The tone can be conversational and warm, mirroring the relationship you have with the recipient.
Example: PS. I’m still laughing about our camping trip last summer. Remember the squirrel that stole the bagels?
The Marketing or Sales Letter
Copywriters have long known the PS is one of the most-read parts of a sales letter. It’s a final opportunity to hammer home a benefit, overcome an objection, or create a call to action. Use it to:
– Restate the core offer or guarantee.
– Add a surprising bonus or incentive for acting quickly.
– Address a common hesitation (“P.S. Worried about time? This system takes just 15 minutes a day.”).
– Drive urgency with a limited-time detail.
The marketing PS is strategic, benefit-focused, and often directly tied to motivating a response.
Example: PS: Order in the next 48 hours and I’ll include my exclusive “Quick-Start Guide” at no extra cost.
Advanced Techniques and Strategic Uses
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can use the PS for more nuanced communication goals.
Using PPS and Beyond
What if you have a second afterthought? You can add a “PPS,” which stands for “post postscriptum.” A third would be “PPPS.” However, more than one additional postscript can start to look disorganized or unserious. In most formal and personal contexts, it’s best to limit yourself to one. If you find you need a PPS, consider whether you should simply revise the body of your letter or the first PS to be more comprehensive.
The Psychological “Hook” PS
Because it stands out, a PS can be used to subtly direct attention. For instance, in a cover letter, you might use a PS to directly state why you’re uniquely excited about *this specific company*, something that personalizes the standard letter template. This tactic shows extra effort and can make your application more memorable.
The Digital Adaptation: PS in Emails
The rules relax slightly in email, but the principle remains powerful. Since you can easily edit an email before sending, a PS is always a conscious choice. Place it after your typed name and email signature block. It retains the same attention-grabbing quality, perfect for highlighting a critical link, reiterating a meeting time, or adding a friendly, human touch to an otherwise transactional message.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with good intentions, it’s easy to misuse a PS. Steer clear of these pitfalls to maintain your credibility and clarity.
The Trivial PS: Adding a PS that says nothing of value (“P.S. It’s raining here.”) diminishes the importance of your main message. If it doesn’t serve a purpose, omit it.
The Major Revelation: Never put critical, new information in a PS that fundamentally changes the letter’s meaning or contains essential instructions. This frustrates readers and can lead to missed information. Important content belongs in the body.
The Overly Long PS: A postscript should be a glance, not a second letter. If your PS runs longer than two or three short sentences, integrate it into the main text or restructure your thoughts.
Incorrect Placement: Putting the PS before your signature is the most common formatting error. This breaks the traditional convention and can confuse the reader about the flow of your message. Always place it after your complete signature block.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a PS in a formal email? Yes, but judiciously. It is perfectly acceptable for emphasizing one key point, such as a deadline or attachment, in a professional email. Avoid using it for casual asides.
Is “PS” capitalized? Yes, it is standard to write it in all capital letters, though “P.S.” with capitals and periods is equally correct.
What about handwritten notes? The same rules apply. Write your PS below and to the left of your signature, often with a slight flourish. It adds undeniable charm to thank-you notes and personal cards.
Is a PS considered unprofessional? Not inherently. A relevant, concise PS in a business letter is professional. A rambling or frivolous one is not. Context and content are everything.
Mastering Your Final Word
The humble postscript is a small element with outsized influence. It’s a tool for emphasis, a vehicle for personality, and a nod to the timeless tradition of thoughtful correspondence. By understanding its format and strategically aligning its content with your letter’s goal, you transform it from a mere add-on into a powerful part of your message.
Start by reviewing the last few letters or important emails you’ve sent. Was there a final point that could have been sharper, a personal touch that felt awkward in the main flow? That was a missed opportunity for a PS.
Next time you write, leave a little space after your signature. Let your main message settle, and then ask yourself if a strategic postscript could provide the perfect finishing touch. Whether it’s to ensure a deadline is seen, to share a laugh with a friend, or to make your sales copy more compelling, a well-written PS ensures your final word is also your most memorable one.
