Bussiness ERP Research - Workday

Subject: Formatting Business Memos for Impact

Purpose

This memo provides an example of effective business writing, with special focus on how to organize your thoughts for effective, impactful communication. Since students in AMIS 3600 will be expected to write effectively for all assignments, you will want to read this memo carefully and apply the principles discussed to any assignments that require submission of a memo.

Background

While business students at the Fisher College of Business have typically studied English composition in some depth, they often do not understand how to organize and format their ideas for the business setting. In particular, business readers (especially executives) often read memos at a glance, and so it is important that key ideas are very clear. Formatting should be used to highlight the structure of your argument, or guide the reader to your main points.

Structure of Information

Be sure to clearly state the purpose of your memo at the beginning, and you may want to explain how the memo is structured. But be sure to keep this part brief. If you are asking for some action in response, be sure that is clearly stated. The rest of your memo depends on the purpose and nature of you communication. For example, if you are making a recommendation, it often makes sense to provide some background, explain the issue or problem you are addressing, state the actual recommended action, and then provide supporting information, such as alternatives considered.

Formatting Tips

Formatting can make complicated information easy to understand, even at a glimpse. Here are some formatting techniques you should consider:

· Heading. For memos, be sure to identify the author, the audience, the date and the subject. This may become important later when an old memo is reviewed. Subject lines are especially important if your memo is an email, since the reader will often decide whether to open the email based on the subject.

· Titles. Use boldface titles to show the structure of your memo, allowing the reader to navigate easily through you ideas.

· Bullet Points. When you discussion involves a series of points (such as these formatting tips), use bullet or numbered points to break them out.

Other Points of Style

While you sometimes have to explain complex concepts, try to keep your writing simple and clear. You can best do this by:

· Keeping sentences short, where possible.

· Try to use active verbs to be clear about who is doing what.

· Be sure you have no spelling or grammar errors.

· When you think you have it all, reread and remove anything redundancies.

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Good luck with your class assignments!