The Reference Letter - Step by Step

How do you capture the essence of a real person on paper?  That was a client's question, this week. He'd been asked to write a testimonial letter for someone he likes and respects and wanted to know if there's a format for such things.

I'd never seen a formula, though I've written scads of these things for employees and colleagues applying for jobs, school admission or nonprofit board positions. Since some sort of structure helps almost anyone write almost anything, I documented a process for my young client - and for you - in the following eight steps.