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Oct 28, 2014
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• Memorandum is the Latin word for “something to be remembered”
• Memos are brief in-house correspondence sent up and down the corporate ladder
• They can be on paper or sent through e-mail
WHAT IS A MEMORANDUM
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Memos are written messages sent among people working in the same company. Memos can be written for a number of reasons :
Inform staff about decisions/actions/events.
Request information / action /events.
Remind staff of action needed/procedures/changes in policy.
Provide information on work related topics.
Memos are written messages sent among people working in the same company. Memos can be written for a number of reasons :
Inform staff about decisions/actions/events.
Request information / action /events.
Remind staff of action needed/procedures/changes in policy.
Provide information on work related topics.
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CONTENT
Memos generally deal with only Memos generally deal with only one one subjectsubject. .
For two unrelated subjects, write two For two unrelated subjects, write two different memos.different memos.
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CONSTRUCTING MEMOS
What is the Reason for Writing?
Who is your Audience?
Can be low-tech, high-tech or multiple
Better to provide a parenthetical definition with terms.
What response do you expect from your Audience?
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The language you use in your memo will mainly depend on
your position,the position of the reader the subject matter.
The general rule is to “keep it short and simple”.
The language you use in your memo will mainly depend on
your position,the position of the reader the subject matter.
The general rule is to “keep it short and simple”.
LANGUAGELANGUAGE
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STYLE & TONE
• controlled by the audience within your company– Casual tone
• When writing to a co-worker whom you know well
– Formal tone• When writing to a managerRemember that your employer and co-
workers deserve the same clear and concise writing
that your customers do
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DateDate – – In official memos ,write In official memos ,write full date while in unofficial full date while in unofficial memo, it is acceptable to use memo, it is acceptable to use short forms short forms e. g. Official : 7 March 2009e. g. Official : 7 March 2009
Unofficial : 7-3-2009Unofficial : 7-3-2009
DateDate – – In official memos ,write In official memos ,write full date while in unofficial full date while in unofficial memo, it is acceptable to use memo, it is acceptable to use short forms short forms e. g. Official : 7 March 2009e. g. Official : 7 March 2009
Unofficial : 7-3-2009Unofficial : 7-3-2009
WRITING DATES IN MEMOSWRITING DATES IN MEMOS
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ORGANIZATIONAL MARKERS
• Headings– Organize your work and make
information easy for readers to follow• Numbered or bulleted lists
– Help readers see comparisons and contrasts readily
• Underlining or boldfacing– Emphasizes key points. Do not overuse
this technique; draw attention only to main points and those that contain summaries or draw conclusions
Heading
Bulleted List
Underlining
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MEMO FORMAT
• Some companies use a standard form while others have their memo printed on their letterheads
• The memo may be on a half sheet or a full sheet
• Basically, the memo consists of two parts– The identifying information at the top– The message itself
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TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMO FORMAT
If your memo is going to more than one reader, make sure you list them in the order of their status in your company
Write your name (and job title, if necessary for the reader.) You may write your initials after your typed name to verify the memo comes from you
Give the full calendar date
This serves as the title line of your memo. Summarize your message/purpose precisely
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MEMO WIZARDS & TEMPLATES
• MS word provides three different templates – Elegant– Professional– Contemporary
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FIVE PARTS OF A MEMOTo:
From:
Date:
Re:
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PART ONE : TOTo: Mrs. Sharon Jones, Supervisor
From:
Date:
Re:
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PART TWO: FROMTo:
From: Dianna Moreno, Bookkeeper DM
Date:
Re:
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PART THREE: DATETo:
From:
Date: March 2, 2007
Re:
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PART FOUR: SUBJECTTo:
From:
Date:
Re: Acceptance of Retirement Party Invitation
Subject= Focus + TopicSubject= Focus + Topic
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PART FIVE: INTRO + DISCUSSION
To: Mrs. Jones, Supervisor
From: Dianna Moreno, Bookkeeper DM
Date: March 2, 2007
Re: Acceptance of Retirement Party Invitation
My husband and I will be able to attend Mr. Tran’s retirement party on April 21. We will bring potato salad.
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PART SIX: CONCLUSIONTo: Mrs. Jones, Supervisor
From: Dianna Moreno, Bookkeeper DM
Date: March 2, 2007
Re: Retirement Party
My husband and I will be able to attend Mr. Tran’s retirement party on April 21. We will bring potato salad.
Call me if you have questions: (714) 555-7355.