Memo
Memo writing is something of an art form. A letter is not a memo,
nor is a memo a letter. A memo is a short, to the point communication
conveying your thoughts, reactions or opinion on something. A memo
can call people to action or broadcast a bit of timely news.
With
memo writing, shorter is better.
As with all writing, memo writing needs a structure. Because they
are short, rambling meanderings will soon destroy the memo’s
effectiveness and become a waste of productive time to those that
read it and to the person who wrote it.
If you have something longer than a page, it’s better to send
it as an attachment or a document that follows the memo used as
a cover letter. Never make a memo too long. If someone takes a glance
at a memo that appears to be too long, there’s a good
chance it will be set aside for a time when they aren’t busy.
This can defeat your memo’s purpose which is timely communication.
Basic Formats
Memos can be approached in different ways depending on your
purpose:
- Decide if it’s to be persuasive or informative. While
many memos are a combination of the two (“In order to process
your claim promptly, please submit it no later than January 15.”),
sometimes memos have to be one or the other for the reader to
take the appropriate action. A persuasive memo engages the reader’s
interest before issuing a directive, where as an informative memo
outlines the facts and then requests the reader’s actions.
- Clearly
state the purpose of communication in the subject line. Most
memo formats have the basics of the header, like “to,” “from” and “date” in
place. But you have a responsibility to make the subject
line as descriptive as possible so the reader understands the
intent. A memo simply titled “Vacation Time” might
appear to be good news – until the document explains that
vacation time won’t be granted unless first requested in
writing. Thus, a better memo title might be “New Vacation
Time Request Policy".
- Write memos with purpose and make that
purpose known in the first paragraph. Needless memo writing should
be a crime across all states. One way to make sure no one reads
or heeds memos is to send them out for the slightest issue. Try
to avoid doing this. Also, outline the purpose and the desired
action in the memo’s
first paragraph. Readers will become conditioned to the importance
of a memo and gain that knowledge as soon as they open it.
- K.I.S.S. – Keep
It Simple, Silly. Most memo formats accommodate one page of information.
This means that the topic details should be concise, with clear
directives and contacts for follow-up. If it’s a complex
topic extending into multiple pages, still keep the language as
direct as possible, add headings or bullets to guide the reader
and conclude with a summary paragraph of key points.
Reinforce the reader’s necessary action. At the end of the
memo, specifically direct the reader to the desired action.
- Effective
business communication improves workflow and relationships. Use
the tools of memo formats and well-constructed information to
your advantage.
Parts of a Memo
There are three basic reasons to write a memo:
- to persuade action
- to issue a directive
- or to provide a report.
Regardless of your purpose, memos are generally divided into segments
in order to organize the information and to achieve your intention.
Heading
The heading segment follows this general format:
TO: (readers' names and job titles)
CC: (any people you are copying the memo to)
FROM: (your name and job title)
DATE: (complete and current date)
SUBJECT: (what the memo is about, highlighted in some way)
- Make sure you address the reader by his or her correct name
and job title.
- Be specific and concise in your subject line.
Opening Segment
The gist of a memo should occur in the opening sentences/paragraphs.
It's a good idea to include some information about the context,
a task statement and perhaps a purpose statement.
- The context is the event, circumstance, or background of the
problem you are solving or the directive you are giving. You
can use a paragraph to establish the background and state the
problem or more commonly simply use the opening of a sentence.
Include only what your reader needs and be sure it is clear.
- In the task statement describe what you are doing to deal with
a situation. If an action was requested, refer to it by a sentence
opening like, "You asked that I look at...." If
you want to explain your intentions, you might say, "To determine
the best method of xxx,
I will...."
- Finally, the purpose statement of a memo gives your reason for
writing it and forecasts what is in the rest of the memo. You
want to come right out and tell your reader the kind of information
that's in store. For example, you might say: "This memo presents
a description of the current situation, some proposed alternatives,
and my recommendations."
If you choose to use headings for your memo segments, you can
refer to your major headings in this forecast statement to provide
a guide for your reader.
Summary Segment
If your memo is longer than a page, you may want to include a separate summary
segment. This segment provides a brief statement of the key recommendations
you have reached. These will help your reader understand the key points of the
memo immediately. This segment may also include references to methods and sources
you have used in your research, but remember to keep it brief.
You can help your reader understand your memo better by using headings for
the summary and the discussion segments that follow it. Try to write headings
that are short but that clarify the content of the segment. For example, instead
of using "Summary" for your heading, try "New Rat-Part Elimination System,"
which is much more specific. The major headings you choose here are the ones
that will appear in your purpose-statement forecast.
Discussion Segments
The discussion segments are the parts in which you get to include
all the juicy details that support your ideas. Keep two things in
mind:
- Begin with the information that is most important. This may mean that you
will start with key findings or recommendations.
- Start with your most general
information and move to your specific or supporting facts. (Be
sure to use the same format when including details: strongest--->weakest.)
- For easy reading, put important points or details into lists
rather than paragraphs when possible.
- Be careful to make lists parallel in grammatical form.
Closing Segment
You're almost done. After the reader has read your information,
you want to close with a courteous ending stating what action
you want your reader to take. Make sure you consider how the reader
will benefit from the desired actions and how you can make those
actions easier. For example, you might say, "I will be glad to
discuss this recommendation with you during our Tuesday trip to
the spa and follow through on any decisions you make."
Examples
Persuasive Memorandum
To: Mary McGee, Alistair Warwranka, George Lipton
CC: Dorothy Barrie
From: The Boss
Date: June 1, 2006
Re: Need for New Memo Format
I’ve noticed that we don’t seem to be able to communicate
important changes, requirements and progress reports throughout
the company as effectively as we should. I propose developing one
consistent memo format, recognizable by all staff as the official
means of communicating company directives.
While I know this seems like a simple solution, I believe it will
cut down on needless e-mail, improve universal communication and
allow the staff to save necessary information for later referral.
Please talk among yourselves to determine the proper points of
memo writing and return the input to me by 12 noon. I will then
send out a notice to the entire staff regarding the new memo format.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this.
Directive Memo
To: All Staff
From: The Boss
Date: June 1, 2006
Re: New Memo Format Effective June 1
In order to make interoffice communications easier, please adhere
to the following guidelines for writing effective memos:
- Clearly state the purpose of the memo in the subject line and
in the first paragraph.
- Keep language professional, simple and polite.
- Use short sentences.
- Use bullets if a lot of information is conveyed.
- Proofread before
sending.
- Address the memo to the person(s) who will take action on
the subject, and CC those who need to know about the action.
- Attach
additional information: don’t place it in the body
of the memo if possible.
- Please put this format into practice immediately.
We appreciate your assistance in developing clear communications.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call
me. Thank you.
Technical Memo
To: The Boss
From: Sue Masterson
Date: May 15, 2007
Re: Update on the T-12 Phase Three testing
As we enter Phase Four of the T-12 testing, I wanted to provide
a progress overview of the Phase Three testing.
[The body of the memo might include two-four
paragraphs outlining the purpose of the memo. If this is a longer
memo, each paragraph will have a subhead to help guide the reader
through the document. Finally, there is a summary paragraph,
which features bullets highlighting the main points of each
previous paragraph, and concludes the memo with a stated action
required by the reader or writer.]
Source :
http://www.lupinworks.com/roche/pages/memos.php
Memo
Memo writing is something of an art form. A letter is not a memo, nor is
a memo a letter. A memo is a short, to the point communication
conveying your thoughts, reactions or opinion on something. A memo can
call people to action or broadcast a bit of timely news. With memo
writing, shorter is better.
As with all writing, memo writing needs a structure. Because they are
short, rambling meanderings will soon destroy the memo’s effectiveness
and become a waste of productive time to those that read it and to the
person who wrote it.
If you have something longer than a page, it’s better to send it as an
attachment or a document that follows the memo used as a cover letter.
Never make a memo too long. If someone takes a glance at a memo that
appears to be too long, there’s a good chance it will be set aside for a
time when they aren’t busy. This can defeat your memo’s purpose which
is timely communication.
Basic Formats
Memos can be approached in different ways depending on your purpose:
Decide if it’s to be persuasive or informative. While many memos are
a combination of the two (“In order to process your claim promptly,
please submit it no later than January 15.”), sometimes memos have to be
one or the other for the reader to take the appropriate action. A
persuasive memo engages the reader’s interest before issuing a
directive, where as an informative memo outlines the facts and then
requests the reader’s actions.
Clearly state the purpose of communication in the subject line. Most
memo formats have the basics of the header, like “to,” “from” and
“date” in place. But you have a responsibility to make the subject line
as descriptive as possible so the reader understands the intent. A memo
simply titled “Vacation Time” might appear to be good news – until the
document explains that vacation time won’t be granted unless first
requested in writing. Thus, a better memo title might be “New Vacation
Time Request Policy".
Write memos with purpose and make that purpose known in the first
paragraph. Needless memo writing should be a crime across all states.
One way to make sure no one reads or heeds memos is to send them out for
the slightest issue. Try to avoid doing this. Also, outline the purpose
and the desired action in the memo’s first paragraph. Readers will
become conditioned to the importance of a memo and gain that knowledge
as soon as they open it.
K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple, Silly. Most memo formats accommodate one
page of information. This means that the topic details should be
concise, with clear directives and contacts for follow-up. If it’s a
complex topic extending into multiple pages, still keep the language as
direct as possible, add headings or bullets to guide the reader and
conclude with a summary paragraph of key points. Reinforce the reader’s
necessary action. At the end of the memo, specifically direct the reader
to the desired action.
Effective business communication improves workflow and
relationships. Use the tools of memo formats and well-constructed
information to your advantage.
Parts of a Memo
There are three basic reasons to write a memo:
to persuade action
to issue a directive
or to provide a report.
Regardless of your purpose, memos are generally divided into segments in
order to organize the information and to achieve your intention.
Heading
The heading segment follows this general format:
TO: (readers' names and job titles)
CC: (any people you are copying the memo to)
FROM: (your name and job title)
DATE: (complete and current date)
SUBJECT: (what the memo is about, highlighted in some way)
Make sure you address the reader by his or her correct name and job
title.
Be specific and concise in your subject line.
Opening Segment
The gist of a memo should occur in the opening sentences/paragraphs.
It's a good idea to include some information about the context, a task
statement and perhaps a purpose statement.
The context is the event, circumstance, or background of the problem
you are solving or the directive you are giving. You can use a
paragraph to establish the background and state the problem or more
commonly simply use the opening of a sentence. Include only what your
reader needs and be sure it is clear.
In the task statement describe what you are doing to deal with a
situation. If an action was requested, refer to it by a sentence opening
like, "You asked that I look at...." If you want to explain your
intentions, you might say, "To determine the best method of xxx, I
will...."
Finally, the purpose statement of a memo gives your reason for
writing it and forecasts what is in the rest of the memo. You want to
come right out and tell your reader the kind of information that's in
store. For example, you might say: "This memo presents a description of
the current situation, some proposed alternatives, and my
recommendations." If you choose to use headings for your memo segments,
you can refer to your major headings in this forecast statement to
provide a guide for your reader.
Summary Segment
If your memo is longer than a page, you may want to include a separate
summary segment. This segment provides a brief statement of the key
recommendations you have reached. These will help your reader understand
the key points of the memo immediately. This segment may also include
references to methods and sources you have used in your research, but
remember to keep it brief.
You can help your reader understand your memo better by using headings
for the summary and the discussion segments that follow it. Try to write
headings that are short but that clarify the content of the segment.
For example, instead of using "Summary" for your heading, try "New
Rat-Part Elimination System," which is much more specific. The major
headings you choose here are the ones that will appear in your
purpose-statement forecast.
Discussion Segments
The discussion segments are the parts in which you get to include all
the juicy details that support your ideas. Keep two things in mind:
Begin with the information that is most important. This may mean
that you will start with key findings or recommendations.
Start with your most general information and move to your specific
or supporting facts. (Be sure to use the same format when including
details: strongest--->weakest.)
For easy reading, put important points or details into lists rather
than paragraphs when possible.
Be careful to make lists parallel in grammatical form.
Closing Segment
You're almost done. After the reader has read your information, you want
to close with a courteous ending stating what action you want your
reader to take. Make sure you consider how the reader will benefit from
the desired actions and how you can make those actions easier. For
example, you might say, "I will be glad to discuss this recommendation
with you during our Tuesday trip to the spa and follow through on any
decisions you make."
Necessary Attachments
Make sure you document your findings or provide detailed information
whenever necessary. You can do this by attaching lists, graphs, tables,
etc. at the end of your memo. Be sure to refer to your attachments in
your memo and add a notation about what is attached below your closing,
like this:
Attached: Several Complaints about Product, January - June 2007
Examples
Persuasive Memorandum
To: Mary McGee, Alistair Warwranka, George Lipton
CC: Dorothy Barrie
From: The Boss
Date: June 1, 2006
Re: Need for New Memo Format
I’ve noticed that we don’t seem to be able to communicate important
changes, requirements and progress reports throughout the company as
effectively as we should. I propose developing one consistent memo
format, recognizable by all staff as the official means of communicating
company directives.
While I know this seems like a simple solution, I believe it will cut
down on needless e-mail, improve universal communication and allow the
staff to save necessary information for later referral.
Please talk among yourselves to determine the proper points of memo
writing and return the input to me by 12 noon. I will then send out a
notice to the entire staff regarding the new memo format.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this.
Directive Memo
To: All Staff
From: The Boss
Date: June 1, 2006
Re: New Memo Format Effective June 1
In order to make interoffice communications easier, please adhere to the
following guidelines for writing effective memos:
Clearly state the purpose of the memo in the subject line and in the
first paragraph.
Keep language professional, simple and polite.
Use short sentences.
Use bullets if a lot of information is conveyed.
Proofread before sending.
Address the memo to the person(s) who will take action on the
subject, and CC those who need to know about the action.
Attach additional information: don’t place it in the body of the
memo if possible.
Please put this format into practice immediately. We appreciate your
assistance in developing clear communications.
Mail
The mail or post is a system for physically transporting documents and
other small packages, as well as a name for the postcards, letters, and
parcels themselves. A postal service can be private or public, though
many governments place restrictions on private systems. Since the
mid-19th century national postal systems have generally been established
as government monopolies with a fee on the article prepaid. Proof of
payment is often in the form of adhesive postage stamps, but postage
meters are also used for bulk mailing. Modern private postal systems are
typically distinguished from national postal agencies by the names
"courier" or "delivery service".
Postal authorities often have functions other than transporting letters.
In some countries, a Postal Telegraph and Telephone (PTT) service
oversees the postal system as well as having authority over telephone
and telegraph systems. Some countries' postal systems allow for savings
accounts and handle applications for passports.
Source:
http://www.lupinworks.com/roche/pages/memos.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mail
Copy and WIN :
http://bit.ly/copy_win
Memo
Memo writing is something of an art form. A letter is not a memo, nor is
a memo a letter. A memo is a short, to the point communication
conveying your thoughts, reactions or opinion on something. A memo can
call people to action or broadcast a bit of timely news. With memo
writing, shorter is better.
As with all writing, memo writing needs a structure. Because they are
short, rambling meanderings will soon destroy the memo’s effectiveness
and become a waste of productive time to those that read it and to the
person who wrote it.
If you have something longer than a page, it’s better to send it as an
attachment or a document that follows the memo used as a cover letter.
Never make a memo too long. If someone takes a glance at a memo that
appears to be too long, there’s a good chance it will be set aside for a
time when they aren’t busy. This can defeat your memo’s purpose which
is timely communication.
Basic Formats
Memos can be approached in different ways depending on your purpose:
Decide if it’s to be persuasive or informative. While many memos are
a combination of the two (“In order to process your claim promptly,
please submit it no later than January 15.”), sometimes memos have to be
one or the other for the reader to take the appropriate action. A
persuasive memo engages the reader’s interest before issuing a
directive, where as an informative memo outlines the facts and then
requests the reader’s actions.
Clearly state the purpose of communication in the subject line. Most
memo formats have the basics of the header, like “to,” “from” and
“date” in place. But you have a responsibility to make the subject line
as descriptive as possible so the reader understands the intent. A memo
simply titled “Vacation Time” might appear to be good news – until the
document explains that vacation time won’t be granted unless first
requested in writing. Thus, a better memo title might be “New Vacation
Time Request Policy".
Write memos with purpose and make that purpose known in the first
paragraph. Needless memo writing should be a crime across all states.
One way to make sure no one reads or heeds memos is to send them out for
the slightest issue. Try to avoid doing this. Also, outline the purpose
and the desired action in the memo’s first paragraph. Readers will
become conditioned to the importance of a memo and gain that knowledge
as soon as they open it.
K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple, Silly. Most memo formats accommodate one
page of information. This means that the topic details should be
concise, with clear directives and contacts for follow-up. If it’s a
complex topic extending into multiple pages, still keep the language as
direct as possible, add headings or bullets to guide the reader and
conclude with a summary paragraph of key points. Reinforce the reader’s
necessary action. At the end of the memo, specifically direct the reader
to the desired action.
Effective business communication improves workflow and
relationships. Use the tools of memo formats and well-constructed
information to your advantage.
Parts of a Memo
There are three basic reasons to write a memo:
to persuade action
to issue a directive
or to provide a report.
Regardless of your purpose, memos are generally divided into segments in
order to organize the information and to achieve your intention.
Heading
The heading segment follows this general format:
TO: (readers' names and job titles)
CC: (any people you are copying the memo to)
FROM: (your name and job title)
DATE: (complete and current date)
SUBJECT: (what the memo is about, highlighted in some way)
Make sure you address the reader by his or her correct name and job
title.
Be specific and concise in your subject line.
Opening Segment
The gist of a memo should occur in the opening sentences/paragraphs.
It's a good idea to include some information about the context, a task
statement and perhaps a purpose statement.
The context is the event, circumstance, or background of the problem
you are solving or the directive you are giving. You can use a
paragraph to establish the background and state the problem or more
commonly simply use the opening of a sentence. Include only what your
reader needs and be sure it is clear.
In the task statement describe what you are doing to deal with a
situation. If an action was requested, refer to it by a sentence opening
like, "You asked that I look at...." If you want to explain your
intentions, you might say, "To determine the best method of xxx, I
will...."
Finally, the purpose statement of a memo gives your reason for
writing it and forecasts what is in the rest of the memo. You want to
come right out and tell your reader the kind of information that's in
store. For example, you might say: "This memo presents a description of
the current situation, some proposed alternatives, and my
recommendations." If you choose to use headings for your memo segments,
you can refer to your major headings in this forecast statement to
provide a guide for your reader.
Summary Segment
If your memo is longer than a page, you may want to include a separate
summary segment. This segment provides a brief statement of the key
recommendations you have reached. These will help your reader understand
the key points of the memo immediately. This segment may also include
references to methods and sources you have used in your research, but
remember to keep it brief.
You can help your reader understand your memo better by using headings
for the summary and the discussion segments that follow it. Try to write
headings that are short but that clarify the content of the segment.
For example, instead of using "Summary" for your heading, try "New
Rat-Part Elimination System," which is much more specific. The major
headings you choose here are the ones that will appear in your
purpose-statement forecast.
Discussion Segments
The discussion segments are the parts in which you get to include all
the juicy details that support your ideas. Keep two things in mind:
Begin with the information that is most important. This may mean
that you will start with key findings or recommendations.
Start with your most general information and move to your specific
or supporting facts. (Be sure to use the same format when including
details: strongest--->weakest.)
For easy reading, put important points or details into lists rather
than paragraphs when possible.
Be careful to make lists parallel in grammatical form.
Closing Segment
You're almost done. After the reader has read your information, you want
to close with a courteous ending stating what action you want your
reader to take. Make sure you consider how the reader will benefit from
the desired actions and how you can make those actions easier. For
example, you might say, "I will be glad to discuss this recommendation
with you during our Tuesday trip to the spa and follow through on any
decisions you make."
Necessary Attachments
Make sure you document your findings or provide detailed information
whenever necessary. You can do this by attaching lists, graphs, tables,
etc. at the end of your memo. Be sure to refer to your attachments in
your memo and add a notation about what is attached below your closing,
like this:
Attached: Several Complaints about Product, January - June 2007
Examples
Persuasive Memorandum
To: Mary McGee, Alistair Warwranka, George Lipton
CC: Dorothy Barrie
From: The Boss
Date: June 1, 2006
Re: Need for New Memo Format
I’ve noticed that we don’t seem to be able to communicate important
changes, requirements and progress reports throughout the company as
effectively as we should. I propose developing one consistent memo
format, recognizable by all staff as the official means of communicating
company directives.
While I know this seems like a simple solution, I believe it will cut
down on needless e-mail, improve universal communication and allow the
staff to save necessary information for later referral.
Please talk among yourselves to determine the proper points of memo
writing and return the input to me by 12 noon. I will then send out a
notice to the entire staff regarding the new memo format.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this.
Directive Memo
To: All Staff
From: The Boss
Date: June 1, 2006
Re: New Memo Format Effective June 1
In order to make interoffice communications easier, please adhere to the
following guidelines for writing effective memos:
Clearly state the purpose of the memo in the subject line and in the
first paragraph.
Keep language professional, simple and polite.
Use short sentences.
Use bullets if a lot of information is conveyed.
Proofread before sending.
Address the memo to the person(s) who will take action on the
subject, and CC those who need to know about the action.
Attach additional information: don’t place it in the body of the
memo if possible.
Please put this format into practice immediately. We appreciate your
assistance in developing clear communications.
Mail
The mail or post is a system for physically transporting documents and
other small packages, as well as a name for the postcards, letters, and
parcels themselves. A postal service can be private or public, though
many governments place restrictions on private systems. Since the
mid-19th century national postal systems have generally been established
as government monopolies with a fee on the article prepaid. Proof of
payment is often in the form of adhesive postage stamps, but postage
meters are also used for bulk mailing. Modern private postal systems are
typically distinguished from national postal agencies by the names
"courier" or "delivery service".
Postal authorities often have functions other than transporting letters.
In some countries, a Postal Telegraph and Telephone (PTT) service
oversees the postal system as well as having authority over telephone
and telegraph systems. Some countries' postal systems allow for savings
accounts and handle applications for passports.
Source:
http://www.lupinworks.com/roche/pages/memos.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mail
Copy and WIN :
http://bit.ly/copy_win
Memo
Memo writing is something of an art form. A letter is not a memo, nor is
a memo a letter. A memo is a short, to the point communication
conveying your thoughts, reactions or opinion on something. A memo can
call people to action or broadcast a bit of timely news. With memo
writing, shorter is better.
As with all writing, memo writing needs a structure. Because they are
short, rambling meanderings will soon destroy the memo’s effectiveness
and become a waste of productive time to those that read it and to the
person who wrote it.
If you have something longer than a page, it’s better to send it as an
attachment or a document that follows the memo used as a cover letter.
Never make a memo too long. If someone takes a glance at a memo that
appears to be too long, there’s a good chance it will be set aside for a
time when they aren’t busy. This can defeat your memo’s purpose which
is timely communication.
Basic Formats
Memos can be approached in different ways depending on your purpose:
Decide if it’s to be persuasive or informative. While many memos are
a combination of the two (“In order to process your claim promptly,
please submit it no later than January 15.”), sometimes memos have to be
one or the other for the reader to take the appropriate action. A
persuasive memo engages the reader’s interest before issuing a
directive, where as an informative memo outlines the facts and then
requests the reader’s actions.
Clearly state the purpose of communication in the subject line. Most
memo formats have the basics of the header, like “to,” “from” and
“date” in place. But you have a responsibility to make the subject line
as descriptive as possible so the reader understands the intent. A memo
simply titled “Vacation Time” might appear to be good news – until the
document explains that vacation time won’t be granted unless first
requested in writing. Thus, a better memo title might be “New Vacation
Time Request Policy".
Write memos with purpose and make that purpose known in the first
paragraph. Needless memo writing should be a crime across all states.
One way to make sure no one reads or heeds memos is to send them out for
the slightest issue. Try to avoid doing this. Also, outline the purpose
and the desired action in the memo’s first paragraph. Readers will
become conditioned to the importance of a memo and gain that knowledge
as soon as they open it.
K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple, Silly. Most memo formats accommodate one
page of information. This means that the topic details should be
concise, with clear directives and contacts for follow-up. If it’s a
complex topic extending into multiple pages, still keep the language as
direct as possible, add headings or bullets to guide the reader and
conclude with a summary paragraph of key points. Reinforce the reader’s
necessary action. At the end of the memo, specifically direct the reader
to the desired action.
Effective business communication improves workflow and
relationships. Use the tools of memo formats and well-constructed
information to your advantage.
Parts of a Memo
There are three basic reasons to write a memo:
to persuade action
to issue a directive
or to provide a report.
Regardless of your purpose, memos are generally divided into segments in
order to organize the information and to achieve your intention.
Heading
The heading segment follows this general format:
TO: (readers' names and job titles)
CC: (any people you are copying the memo to)
FROM: (your name and job title)
DATE: (complete and current date)
SUBJECT: (what the memo is about, highlighted in some way)
Make sure you address the reader by his or her correct name and job
title.
Be specific and concise in your subject line.
Opening Segment
The gist of a memo should occur in the opening sentences/paragraphs.
It's a good idea to include some information about the context, a task
statement and perhaps a purpose statement.
The context is the event, circumstance, or background of the problem
you are solving or the directive you are giving. You can use a
paragraph to establish the background and state the problem or more
commonly simply use the opening of a sentence. Include only what your
reader needs and be sure it is clear.
In the task statement describe what you are doing to deal with a
situation. If an action was requested, refer to it by a sentence opening
like, "You asked that I look at...." If you want to explain your
intentions, you might say, "To determine the best method of xxx, I
will...."
Finally, the purpose statement of a memo gives your reason for
writing it and forecasts what is in the rest of the memo. You want to
come right out and tell your reader the kind of information that's in
store. For example, you might say: "This memo presents a description of
the current situation, some proposed alternatives, and my
recommendations." If you choose to use headings for your memo segments,
you can refer to your major headings in this forecast statement to
provide a guide for your reader.
Summary Segment
If your memo is longer than a page, you may want to include a separate
summary segment. This segment provides a brief statement of the key
recommendations you have reached. These will help your reader understand
the key points of the memo immediately. This segment may also include
references to methods and sources you have used in your research, but
remember to keep it brief.
You can help your reader understand your memo better by using headings
for the summary and the discussion segments that follow it. Try to write
headings that are short but that clarify the content of the segment.
For example, instead of using "Summary" for your heading, try "New
Rat-Part Elimination System," which is much more specific. The major
headings you choose here are the ones that will appear in your
purpose-statement forecast.
Discussion Segments
The discussion segments are the parts in which you get to include all
the juicy details that support your ideas. Keep two things in mind:
Begin with the information that is most important. This may mean
that you will start with key findings or recommendations.
Start with your most general information and move to your specific
or supporting facts. (Be sure to use the same format when including
details: strongest--->weakest.)
For easy reading, put important points or details into lists rather
than paragraphs when possible.
Be careful to make lists parallel in grammatical form.
Closing Segment
You're almost done. After the reader has read your information, you want
to close with a courteous ending stating what action you want your
reader to take. Make sure you consider how the reader will benefit from
the desired actions and how you can make those actions easier. For
example, you might say, "I will be glad to discuss this recommendation
with you during our Tuesday trip to the spa and follow through on any
decisions you make."
Necessary Attachments
Make sure you document your findings or provide detailed information
whenever necessary. You can do this by attaching lists, graphs, tables,
etc. at the end of your memo. Be sure to refer to your attachments in
your memo and add a notation about what is attached below your closing,
like this:
Attached: Several Complaints about Product, January - June 2007
Examples
Persuasive Memorandum
To: Mary McGee, Alistair Warwranka, George Lipton
CC: Dorothy Barrie
From: The Boss
Date: June 1, 2006
Re: Need for New Memo Format
I’ve noticed that we don’t seem to be able to communicate important
changes, requirements and progress reports throughout the company as
effectively as we should. I propose developing one consistent memo
format, recognizable by all staff as the official means of communicating
company directives.
While I know this seems like a simple solution, I believe it will cut
down on needless e-mail, improve universal communication and allow the
staff to save necessary information for later referral.
Please talk among yourselves to determine the proper points of memo
writing and return the input to me by 12 noon. I will then send out a
notice to the entire staff regarding the new memo format.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this.
Directive Memo
To: All Staff
From: The Boss
Date: June 1, 2006
Re: New Memo Format Effective June 1
In order to make interoffice communications easier, please adhere to the
following guidelines for writing effective memos:
Clearly state the purpose of the memo in the subject line and in the
first paragraph.
Keep language professional, simple and polite.
Use short sentences.
Use bullets if a lot of information is conveyed.
Proofread before sending.
Address the memo to the person(s) who will take action on the
subject, and CC those who need to know about the action.
Attach additional information: don’t place it in the body of the
memo if possible.
Please put this format into practice immediately. We appreciate your
assistance in developing clear communications.
Mail
The mail or post is a system for physically transporting documents and
other small packages, as well as a name for the postcards, letters, and
parcels themselves. A postal service can be private or public, though
many governments place restrictions on private systems. Since the
mid-19th century national postal systems have generally been established
as government monopolies with a fee on the article prepaid. Proof of
payment is often in the form of adhesive postage stamps, but postage
meters are also used for bulk mailing. Modern private postal systems are
typically distinguished from national postal agencies by the names
"courier" or "delivery service".
Postal authorities often have functions other than transporting letters.
In some countries, a Postal Telegraph and Telephone (PTT) service
oversees the postal system as well as having authority over telephone
and telegraph systems. Some countries' postal systems allow for savings
accounts and handle applications for passports.
Source:
http://www.lupinworks.com/roche/pages/memos.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mail
Copy and WIN :
http://bit.ly/copy_win
