![]() If your memo is longer than a page, repeat the "To" line, the date, and the subject line on and add a page number to subsequent pages. If you have included an attachment, such as a graph, chart, list, or a more detailed summary of research findings, you may want to identify it here if appropriate, or you can do so in the closing section.įor longer memos, use headings to help the reader quickly grasp the main points of the memo. Keep in mind that memos are meant to be brief (most are not longer than a page). Do not include information that is not important for readers, but let them know enough that they can understand the seriousness of the problem, the reasons for the change in policy, the research that was conducted that brought the problem to your attention, the details about the promotion, problems that could occur if action is not taken, the current status of the project, et cetera. The most important (and most specific) information should come first, followed by less important (and more general) information. ![]() In the body (or discussion) section of the memo, include any information the reader might need to know. For longer memos (memos longer than about a page), the opening section might begin with a brief overview of the rest of the document (you can also include this information in a separate "Summary" section above the opening paragraph NAME THAT CONTENT OF SUMMARY?). Save the details of the memo for the next section. If, on the other hand, the purpose of the memo is to introduce a new policy or to provide a project update, briefly state that fact. If, for example, the memo is in response to a particular problem, state the problem clearly. It is generally quite brief-usually, no more than a few sentences. The opening paragraph or section states the purpose of the memo. You may choose to include your initials after your name and job title in the "From" line to show that you approve the contents of the memo (if you asked someone else, such as a secretary or administrative assistant) to write it on your behalf) or to authenticate the letter. The subject line should be specific enough to convey the main purpose of the memo (for example, "Mandatory Employee Benefits Meeting on Friday, June 4" rather than "Meeting"). Make sure to spell names correctly and to include the complete name and correct titles of recipients. Include all those who really need to receive the information, but don't include anyone who doesn't-doing so just wastes their time and your money. In the heading, determine to whom you are going to send the letter (that is, your audience). The heading section identifies the recipients of the memo, the sender, the date the memo was sent, and the subject (or purpose) of the memo. Memorandums generally consist of a heading section, an opening paragraph or section, the body section, and a closing paragraph or section. Use active rather than passive voice whenever possible. Conciseness and clarity in language are always best. It is inappropriate to be too informal (using slang, for example), but don't be verbose or flowery, either. The tone of a memo is generally fairly formal, so choose your wording appropriately. Also, be careful when communicating confidential information a face-to-face meeting may be more appropriate in such circumstances. Business Memo TipsĪs you prepare to draft your memo, think about your intended audience, and send the memo only to those who need it. They can also be used to request that employees attend a meeting or make changes to work procedures or practices, or they can address a problem, such as employee tardiness or absence, or provide feedback on a product or program. They may be used to convey information such as policy changes, promotions or other personnel changes, a project status update, or increased offering of products and services. Memos are used for a wide variety of purposes. The business memo is generally used in place of a traditional letter for internal communication, though memos may be used to communicate with individuals from other organizations in some instances. The primary purpose of the business memorandum (commonly referred to as a memo) is to allow timely communication to a large number of employees or other members of an organization. ![]() Professional Writer and Editor Business Memos by Topic
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