Memorandom

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Memorandums are a frequently used tool for written communications in business. In this course, we will hone your technique in memo-writing with respect to audience, content, and delivery.

Memos are to be kept to a single page, 11pt font, with a minimum 1-inch margin. Any necessary charts or analysis can be attached as Exhibits, but your message (pitch) must be delivered in one page. You will be graded on how well that one page (plus Exhibits) presents your case. With this in mind,

• Avoid repeating the facts in a case or discussion

• Stick to the body of your ideas (don’t drift)

• You have a limited amount of time to catch your recipients attention – use it wisely

• State the problems or issues, discuss the alternatives, present your analysis and solution(s), implementation details and summarize

• Your memo may be circulated to other parties in the “corporation” without your consent; politics, salesmanship and ‘spin’ are important.

• Your memo may be filed for years by the corporation, or trashed.

• When outlining a plan or recommendation, consider who will execute the plan, how long will it take (timeline; the ‘when’), funds required, if any, and why your plan is appropriate.

• Do not use a cover page.

• Submit all memos on paper, not electronically.

Exhibits following highlight some further guidelines.

I suggest you use a rough, hand-written outline to frame your thoughts and arguments. Follow this up with your first written draft (working copy), then the final work.

Exhibit 1 - Common Faults

Cover page – Memos never have cover pages

Recommendations should be stated ‘up front’, i.e., first or second section. If left to the end much of the analysis may be irrelevant to the reader. Recommendations should be based only on material available through the case, i.e., in the case or available to the writer at the time, i.e., available in the library, dated prior to the...