What is a Memorandum?

Memoranda, or "memos," are brief notes -- usually circulated within (internal to) an organization, and having one or more of the following purposes:

• announce events
• give instructions
• explain procedures
• make requests
• confirm agreements
• remind people
• promote projects

Tone is often more controversial in memos than in other kinds of documents, because in some cases you may have an unanticipated audience or a wide range of readers. The heading usually includes "Date; To; From; and Subject" sub-heads, and content usually does not exceed half a page in length. Memos make the writer visible in an organization, and help create and maintain business relationships within the company.

To reinforce the message, writers use page layout elements:

• ample white space
• clear paragraphing
• bulleted lists
• heads and sub-heads
• format

Directions:

• * Write a memo to your instructor informing him/her about the controversial subject you've chosen for your oral presentation and issue paper.
• Briefly list the different sides in the controversy.
• Explain how the subject can be made relevant to your SOM 491 peers.
• Provide contact information in the event the instructor needs to set up a conference, or wants to alert you quickly about any problems related to the project.

** You may be asked to send this memo via e�mail. If so, use the same format, even though some mail systems put headers at the top (giving sender information).

Tips for Proceeding:

• Strive for a professional tone.
• Keep your memo as concise as possible.

Objectives: Memo-writing; page layout; conciseness of thought and presentation.