Definition of a Memo
The word memorandum (commonly abbreviated to
memo) is derived from the Middle English word 'memorandus' meaning 'to be
remembered'. The following link provides access to a short, but highly
effective, free training presentation on letter writing which will also help in
your work:
How to write a Memo -
Format & Template
Sample Memo Format / Template
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
First
Sentence:
Reason for the communication
Second Sentence - Main Body:
Any Instructions or information
Closing Sentence
What is required of the reader e.g. Confirmation, answers or feedback
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SHORT REPORTS
PURPOSE:
When
a brief written communication is necessary and can do the job for the reader.
v For
example, a weekly or monthly financial or production report can be handled by a
Short Report.
v Or,
a proposal for a simple project or improvement on a process can be written up
in a Short Report.
WHAT
IS THE FORM?
Can
be written as a Letter or as a Memo.
§ Memo when it is written within your department
or company. (Sometimes a letter is OK here.)
§ Letter when it is written for outside your company.
HOW
MANY PAGES?
Short
Reports are usually one page (two pages maximum).
However, attachments can be several pages.
WHAT
ARE THE PARTS?
There
are usually 4 parts.
1)
Summary
2)
Background (which is optional and not always necessary)
3)
Body (main contents)
The content may even include a simple, small chart or diagram (if
it contains lots of information, is complex or several pages, then include it
in the “attachments” section). When you use HEADINGS and a list . . .
remember that after each heading it is more effective to write a short sentence or phrase to INTRODUCE the
list. See the example here.
4)
Recommendation or Conclusion (use either one, depending on the subject/purpose
of your report).
SEE FORMAT BELOW
SHORT REPORT FORMAT (memo)
Lined
up straight on left; colons are next towords.
Memorandum very important!
DATE:
TO:
FROM: (with signature)
SUBJECT:
Notice:
body text is
singlespaced
Attachments: (name what it is and how many pages – if you have them)
cc: (include the names and titles of
the people to get a copy – if you are sending them)
page 1 of ___ (if
more than 1 page. If only 1 page, this is not needed)
SUMMARY
Summarize the report information
without giving the details. Write the
problem briefly, for example, but not all the details, and give the way you
will solve it, and what the benefits would be.
BACKGROUND (sometimes
you did not need this. Use it
only if you must explain the history)
Write the history of the project,
idea, proposal, etc. Write the problem,
past solutions and who was involved in them, so the reader or member of the
department can know what is going on now (and what happened before). This part is to give the reader “the
background.”
BODY (Do not
write the word “BODY.” You will
write some descriptive word or words for this section for the headling, according to your topic/subject/contents/main
idea.)
RECOMMENDATION or CONCLUSION (choose 1, based on your purpose)
You will choose either one, depending
on the subject of your report. [There is a special case
when you use both. I will explain in
class.]
Recommendations are given when you are asked to
provide your opinion about a problem or issue.
This is your suggestion of WHAT SHOULD BE DONE.
Conclusions are given when you are asked to
study a problem, find out the facts and then report about what happened
– you DO NOT SUGGEST WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
TO SOLVE THE ISSUE.