Tips for Writing Memorandums: Make a Memo More Effective

If you work in an office, you likely have to write memorandums. A memorandum, or memo for short, is quite easy to put together. In their most basic form, memorandums are just a short form of a letter. There may be a heading written in bold or italics for emphasis. Additionally, the memo may address a certain issue or request permission to do something from an upper level executive.

Simple Steps for Memo Format

A memo is a written business communication that conveys basic information. Using a simple, straightforward format makes that easy. You should always check whether your workplace has a standard form for memorandums. If not, follow the steps below for a universally acceptable memo format.

• Title: The word "Memorandum" should be in a significantly larger font, bolded and either centered or placed in the top left-hand corner.
• Recipient: Begin this heading with "TO:" and write down your recipient(s).
• Source: Immediately after the recipient, write "FROM:" along with your name and position.
• Subject: Write a short summary of the memo's purpose (no more than about four words).
• Date: Include the date of when the memo is sent.

Keeping to strict styles like this improves clarity and avoids the danger of poor grammar or unclear communication.

Tips for Writing a Memo

Here are a few quick tips for writing effective memorandums:

• Check for stylistic requirements with your job. Does the company have a standard form when it comes to writing memos? If so, is it downloadable?
• Make sure that the body of the text is clear, concise and grammatically correct.
• Keep things simple. Avoid long sentences and wordy phrasing.
• Do not use a salutation. You should simply go right into the subject of the memo.
• Use bulleted lists and headings to convey your message.
• Conclude the memo with any closing statements that may inspire the recipient to take action.
• Mention any and all attachments at the end of the memo by using the single word "Attachment."
• Once you've completed a draft, share it with a colleague. An extra pair of eyes always helps to catch errors and improve readability.

Writing Your Memo

Open with an introductory paragraph in which you introduce the purpose of the memo. You can start your memo with a sentence as simple as "the purpose of this memo is to…" Once you state the purpose, you can move forward to the next section.

The next section of your memo would be to describe the issue surrounding your memo. Next you will want to discuss what you have done to better research the issue surrounding your memo. Include as much basic information as possible. Additionally, if confirmation is needed from the recipient, you will need to make sure that you stipulate that clearly.

To state all relevant information in the shortest space available, take a look at our advice on informative essays. Keep the differences between business writing and academic writing in mind; memos should follow the rules of business writing.

You need not try to squeeze a lot of information into the memo because it is not necessarily a project proposal. The whole purpose of a memo is to make the recipient aware of an issue. If you keep it simple, it will be an easy task.