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Memorandum

To:Wagner Students

From: Writing Tutors

Date: 11/1/07

Re: Writing Memos

We are writing to provide you with basic information on writing an effective memo in your

Wagner classes and in your future careers. Writing a policy or business memo is different from

other types of academic writing you have done in the past. Although the format and sections of a

memo differ according to topic and audience, there are certain commonalties that all memosshare and strategies that you may use for effectively writing any memo. The following is a

description of the major points to consider when writing most types of memos:

1. Begin by stating the purpose of your memo. There are several cultural variations on how to

begin memos, but in the United States the custom is to state the reason you are writing the memo

in the first sentence. One should write with the assumption that the reader of the memo has little

time and will most likely not read the entire memo. Therefore, you want to capture the attention

of your reader immediately. The following are examples of ways to begin your memo:

I am writing to inform you of ...... In response to your request, I am writing to provide you with recommendations on..... The purpose of this memo is to..... This memo provides information about......

2. Include a general description of the issue your memo addresses. The first paragraph of a

memo is like an introduction to a research paper. Do not include your major arguments, but

describe the issue generally so that the reader understands the importance of your message.

3. Explain briefly what research or work you have done to arrive at your recommendations

or analysis of the issue. Although a statement on background is not relevant for every type of

memo, it is often a good idea to explain in one or two introductory sentences what work you

have done to arrive at the information you are presenting. For example, you might say, Theserecommendations are based on my conversations with

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employees, my observations of the work environment, and my analysis of the data provided by

the Human Resources Department. In this way, you lend authority to the analysis or the

recommendations you are making.

4. Use headings to make your major points. Whether you are writing a persuasive memo in

which you explain different arguments to convince your reader, a description of problems youhave noticed along with recommendations for addressing those problems, or an explanation of a

new program you are establishing, headings are useful. The purpose of headings is to highlight

the major point you are making in that section so the reader will be sure to get that information

(Remember. The reader might not read your whole memo). The following are a few tips on

writing headings:

Put headings in bold or italics so that they are set apart from the supporting informationthat follows them.

Do not let the heading stand alone without any supporting information. Make headings concise.

Use a consistent format to write headings within a memo. Each heading should beginwith the same part of speech (i.e. noun, verb).

Use variety for each heading. Do not begin all headings with the same word. Connect the supporting information directly to the heading. Remove all irrelevant

information.

5. Write recommendations in the imperative (command) voice. Write your recommendations

with great authority. It is important to begin each recommendation with a verb written in

command form. Notice the difference between the impact of the same recommendation written

two different ways:

Weak: I think it might be a good idea to hold more regular meetings between the management

and employees.

Strong: Hold regular meetings between the management and employees.

The following are useful verbs (in imperative form) for writing recommendations: develop,

create, implement, establish, use, ensure, address, institute, and produce.

6. Follow each recommendation with an explanation of why it is important. You must

explain the importance of each recommendation. Look at the following:

Hold regular meetings between the management and employees. It is important for

employees to feel that they have a forum in which to express their concerns to the management.

Many employees currently feel that the managers are unaware and uninterested in their opinions

and that this lack of communication has been resulting in less effective business practice.

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7. Use an objective writing style. Memos are formal pieces of writing in which you should

never include statements that are based purely on your own opinion. You should avoid writing I

believe, I think, or I feel in your arguments and remain as objective and unemotional as

possible. Consider the following:

Subjective: I have looked at the three options of the training programs, and I feel that theemployees would like the first one the most.

Objective: A careful examination of the three training programs shows that the first would be the

most beneficial and effective for employees.

8. End with a salutation. Never end your memo on a recommendation or on one of the major

points you are making. Many memos can end in a somewhat formulaic way in which you thank

the person for taking the time to read the memo, and you indicate a willingness to discuss the

information in greater detail. When possible, use positive language that emphasizes a look

towards future action. Read the following:

The Mallory Foundation will greatly benefit from a few changes in its conducting ofemployee/management relations. I look forward to collaborating with you to make the work

environment at the Mallory Foundation even more pleasant and productive than it currently is. I

would be happy to meet with you next week to discuss ways to implement these

recommendations. Thank you for your attention.

Remember to consider each of these points when you are writing your own memos for classes at

Wagner and for jobs outside of Wagner. Please visit us during our office hours to discuss any

questions you have about memo writing or any other type of writing your professors may assign.

We look forward to working with you this year. Thank you for your attention.