Global Media

How to Write a Memo

A memorandum or “memo, as it is traditionally defined, is a short written communication that is distributed internally in some organization and which is often written on a prepared form” (Berger, 1993, p. 2). The form typically includes who the memo is for, who it is from, the date, the subject, and the contents or body.

This sample, taken from Techniques for Better Memo Writing, not only shows the typical format of a memo but also provides additional tips for composing one as well (Lewandowski, 1995).

Company

Memorandum

(flush left) To: Name, Title From: (initial after your typed name, title) Subject: (be clear and specific) Date: date of writing (Do not indent here) This is a memo about how to format your memos. Do not indent the first sentence on the left. Instead, keep your paragraphs flush left. Even if you start a new paragraph, keep it flush left—avoid the temptation to indent!! Remember to keep your memo SHORT—no more than 3 paragraphs. The best memo is one that is a single paragraph with bullets, numbers, stars, or lists to make the information more accessible to the reader. If your memo runs on to 4, 5, 6, even 7 paragraphs, then something is wrong!! Reconsider your format and consider writing a report or proposal.

Resources

Learnit: Section E. Other - Memos This section of the Business Writing tutorial provides a brief introduction to the reasons for writing a memo and then guides you through each section of a basic memo. To access this tutorial, log in to Atomic Learning using your SNHU credentials, then click on the link to view the materials.

Improving Writing Skills: Memos, Letters, Reports, and Proposals, Chapter 1 Chapter 1 (How to Write Better Memos) in this Shapiro Library e-book by Arthur Asa Berger includes information concerning types of memos, proper formatting and presentation, and guidance concerning the contents of memos.

Business Writing Chapter 4 of this Shapiro Library e-book by Baden Eunson provides information on why you would write memos, the various types of memos, and annotated examples of each. To access the information, click on the link and then select Chapter 4 in the table of contents.

References

Berger, A. A. (1993). Improving writing skills: Memos, letters, reports, and proposals. Newbury Park, CA;

London: SAGE.

Lewandowski, C. (1995). Techniques for better memo writing. Trenton, NJ: Mercer County Community

College.