What is a Postscript?

By Tom Ennis, Sr.

When I was young, my mother made sure I wrote obligatory thank-you notes to relatives and friends who had been kind. Back then, the notes were handwritten letters, commonly of some length. My manners-conscious mother taught me the importance of proper correspondence – a skill for which I am forever grateful. She always encouraged me to include the closing touch of a postscript to my letters. We at Pivot value that closing touch, which is why we include a postscript in much of our communication. Mom would be proud.  

A postscript, or PS, is a brief additional remark or comment appended to the end of a letter, email, or other written communication. The term postscriptum is Latin for ‘written after.’

People typically use postscripts to add forgotten information or update something that happened after they wrote the letter. They can also add a personal touch.

The postscript’s history is long and varied. Ancient Romans likely wrote postscripts, adding brief notes at the end of their letters. Postscripts became more common in the Middle Ages when letters were written on scrolls. In the 15th century, the printing press made it possible to mass-produce books and letters, and postscripts became even more common.

Postscripts are still used in letters and other documents, often to add a personal touch or provide additional information. Postscripts can be a fun and creative way to add to your writing.

There are some things to remember when writing a postscript:

• It should be brief. A postscript should be a few sentences long and stay within the letter’s central message.
• The postscript should be relevant to the communication. Avoid introducing new topics or going off on tangents.
• The postscript should be written clearly and concisely.

It should be easy to read and understand.

Here are some tips for writing a well-written postscript:

• Keep it brief. A postscript should be no more than a few sentences.
• Make it relevant. The postscript should relate to the letter’s central message.
• Write it clearly and concisely. Keep it easy to read and understand.
• Use a friendly tone. Make the postscript personal and engaging.
• Add a personal touch. The postscript is an excellent opportunity to add a personal touch to your letter. You can use it to share a joke, a memory, or a thought you didn’t have time to include in the letter’s main body.

So, here goes my postscript to you –

PS: Postscripts can effectively add personal touches to your written communication. By following these tips, you can write clear, concise, and engaging postscripts.