How To Write A Memo
Ranked #150 in Business & Work, #10,002 overall
A memo is an internal business letter
The memo is an important form of professional communication -- a sort of internal (within the organization) business letter. It is used so commonly in professional settings that it is frequently taught in college courses.
Memos are often brief (or they are supposed to be) and tend to be formal but can also be somewhat flexible in format depending on the organization and purpose. See below for a traditional memo format. Memos are usually sent within an organization and so conform to internal expectations rather than fit a universal standard for memo format. Often these are prepared to not only inform but also serve as a record of action so it may be filed permanently and/or disseminated widely even if addressed to only a few key people who are actually involved in the topic.
If you have ever wondered how to write a memo then you have come to the right place. Learn how to write a memo and find more free writing advice in my other writing lenses. I can teach you how to be a better writer!
Memos are often brief (or they are supposed to be) and tend to be formal but can also be somewhat flexible in format depending on the organization and purpose. See below for a traditional memo format. Memos are usually sent within an organization and so conform to internal expectations rather than fit a universal standard for memo format. Often these are prepared to not only inform but also serve as a record of action so it may be filed permanently and/or disseminated widely even if addressed to only a few key people who are actually involved in the topic.
If you have ever wondered how to write a memo then you have come to the right place. Learn how to write a memo and find more free writing advice in my other writing lenses. I can teach you how to be a better writer!
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The Elements of Business Writing: A Guide to Writing Clear, Concise Letters, Memos, Reports, Proposals, and Other Business Documents
Amazon Price: $2.02 (as of 05/31/2012)
“Use memos within your organization and use a letter to the outside world”
Memo Format
- Heading includes To, From, Date, Subject
- Body includes short paragraphs displayed so they are easy to scan for key information (spacing between paragraphs, numbered or bulleted items, and bold or underline features can be used to draw attention to key items
Essential Elements of the Heading
Elements include four lines (To, From, Subject, Date)
The Body
Formatting, Paragraphing & Style
* Use headings to help readers skim sections of the document.
* Numbered and bulleted lists make information easily accessible.
* Typographical formatting such as underlining, boldface, and italics make headings and important information stand out.
* Keep paragraphs short and concise.
* Use strong, active verbs, personal pronouns, and appropriate vocabulary.
* In the past, memos required no signature or conclusion other than "Please contact me if you have questions." Today, it is common for memos to close like letters, with a "Sincerely," and a typed name under a hand-written signature. If in doubt about how to close a memo, ask for a template that indicates your organization's standard practice.
* Use headings to help readers skim sections of the document.
* Numbered and bulleted lists make information easily accessible.
* Typographical formatting such as underlining, boldface, and italics make headings and important information stand out.
* Keep paragraphs short and concise.
* Use strong, active verbs, personal pronouns, and appropriate vocabulary.
* In the past, memos required no signature or conclusion other than "Please contact me if you have questions." Today, it is common for memos to close like letters, with a "Sincerely," and a typed name under a hand-written signature. If in doubt about how to close a memo, ask for a template that indicates your organization's standard practice.
Keep It Short!
A memo is short. Most experts say two pages should be tops -- after which a memo starts to turn into a report. If you can boil down even a two-page memo to two paragraphs that take up only a half page and still convey the same facts, you get an A in business.
“Always check within your organization for models to make sure YOUR memo meets reader expectations”
More information
- English Works! How to write memos
- How to Write Memos!
- How to Write a Business Memo
- Examples and discussion of how to write a business memo and other important company documents.
- How to Write Memos
- How to Write Memos
- How to Write a Memo - wikiHow
- wikiHow article about How to Write a Memo.
- How to Write a Memo -
- How to Write a Memo From LoveToKnow Business
- Memo Format
- Memo Format
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Questions about memos?
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VeseliDan
May 22, 2012 @ 2:48 am | delete
- These points on writing memos are very useful. I think everyone should know how to write one. I think this is very important.
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GypsyWhim
Apr 7, 2012 @ 11:04 pm | delete
- Excellent lens! You hit on all the key points that my Intro to Professional Writing professor taught in her college course. P.S. And we were taught NOT to sign off as with a letter, with "sincerely."
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nyclittleitaly
Jan 3, 2012 @ 1:29 pm | delete
- good lens
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Dec 12, 2011 @ 7:05 pm | delete
- Good lens on something that is basic, but very important.
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ekkoautos
Nov 30, 2011 @ 8:52 pm | delete
- I like memo, it is so helpful to my work
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