Writing Business Memos

1. Design

1.1. typically 1-2 pages

1.2. Letterhead or Memo form may be used

1.3. Short paragraphs

1.4. Left aligned

1.5. extra line space between paragraphs

1.6. Use numbered or bulleted offset lists

1.7. Highlight dates and actions

2. Content

2.1. Sensitive

2.1.1. consider alternatives

2.1.1.1. Face-to-face

2.1.1.2. Phone

2.1.1.3. Surface mail

2.2. Perrsonal

2.2.1. Untitled

2.2.2. consider privacy

3. Audience

3.1. Untitled

3.2. Identify the need-to-know individuals/groups

4. Heading

4.1. To:

4.1.1. Reader's full name

4.1.2. Reader's job title

4.2. From:

4.2.1. Your name

4.2.2. Your job title

4.3. Date:

4.3.1. Full date when written

4.4. Subject:

4.4.1. Untitled

5. Structure

5.1. Introducdtion

5.2. Content

5.3. Untitled

5.4. Action

5.5. Attachments

6. Purpose

6.1. Informative

6.1.1. Problem-solving

6.2. Persuasive

6.2.1. Action-generating