5The Disorganized Student
 

 


Memo Format

In memo format the text is single-spaced within the paragraphs and double-spaced between them. The writing style is direct, and the organization is clear and logical. The most important information is at the beginning; the order should be of descending importance. A memo usually deals with only one topic. The effect comes from the synthesis and ease with which the audience can assimilate the information the writer provides.

 
The tone of memos is typically conversational.

The memo has a heading that is usually at the left margin that includes the date, writer, audience, and topic. It looks like this:

Date: September 1, 2000
To: John Doe
From: Jim Smith
Re: How to write memos

Memos often include charts and tables or a bulleted list for easy readability of information. The last section is often a recommendation that needs action.

Many business writers think that a memo should be no more than one page long.

 

 

 
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© 1999, 2000, 2002 Virginia Bower (Mars Hill College), Charlene Kiser (Milligan College), Kim McMurtry (Montreat College), Ellen Millsaps (Carson-Newman College), Katherine Vande Brake (King College). All rights reserved. This manual was made possible by a Culpeper grant from the Appalachian College Association; click here for information. If you encounter difficulties with these web pages, please notify kmcmurtry@montreat.edu.