Five Tips for Effective Business Memos.

Column A

$1.$

Audience Orientation:

Audience Orientation

$2.$

Professional, Formal Tone:

Professional, Formal Tone

$3.$

Subject Emphasis:

Subject Emphasis

$4.$

Direct Format:

Direct Format

$5.$

Objectivity:

Objectivity

Column B

a$.$Memos are always direct, meaning they get to the point quickly and the purpose is clearly announced.

b$.$Memos are often announcements, and the person sending the memo speaks for a part or all of the organization. While it may contain a request for feedback, the announcement itself is linear, from the organization to the employees. The memo may have legal standing, as it often reflects policies or procedures.

c$.$An acronym or abbreviation that is known to management may not be known by all the employees of the organization, so$,$ if the memo is to be posted and distributed within the organization, your goal should be clear and concise communication at all levels with no ambiguity.

d$.$Memos are a place for just the facts and should have an objective tone without personal bias, preference, or interest on display. Avoid subjectivity.

e$.$It is normally declared in the subject line and should be clear and concise. If the memo is announcing the observance of a holiday, for example, the specific holiday should be named in the subject line$$for example, use $$Thanksgiving weekend schedule$$ rather than $$holiday observance.$$