Memo Writing Seminar CE 321 Lab Fall 2012 Lab Instructor: Aaron Wendzel

Online Survey 1 point extra credit on Final Memo Please do this now Website should have been to you

When Are Memos Used? Memos have a twofold purpose: Bring attention to problems Solve problems. Examples of Topics Report Results Instruct Employees Announce Policies Delegate Responsibilities

Parts of a Memo (1) Heading To: Name and Job Title Be formal even if you are informal other places From: Name and Job Title Date: When it is submitted Subject: What the memo is about Be specific, but straight to the point Length Approximately 1/8 of memo

Parts of a Memo (2) 1 st Paragraph Opening Purpose Context Background Task What was to be accomplished Length Approximately 1/4 of memo

Parts of a Memo (3) 2 nd Paragraph Discussion Segment Details that support conclusions Recommendations Important methods and resources used Persuade reader to follow recommended action Length Approximately 1/2 of memo

Parts of a Memo (4) 3 rd Paragraph Closing segment What action you want the reader to take Consider how the reader benefits Be Courteous Length Approximately 1/8 of memo

Parts of a Memo (5) Ending Information Indicate what is enclosed Indicate who else got the memo DO NOT SIGN

Parts of a Memo (6) Enclosure Detailed explanation of how you solved the problem Indicate the steps taken to solve the problem Show math calculations Excel Table Show example calculations Matlab Include script/function file Everything Must be Typed

Advice (1) Wallace, 2004

Advice (2) Wallace, 2004

Advice (3) Wallace, 2004

Schedule No lab hours next week, but office hours will be held Tuesday 11:40-12:40 PM, 1535 EB Thursday 2:00-3:00 PM, 1535 EB Same groups as you had for Report 2 Must come to next lab section Points will be deducted from your Memo grade if you don’t come Section 1 Lab: November 27 th (Tuesday) Room 1318 Memo Due: November 28 th in the CEE box by 2pm Section 2 Lab: November 29 th (Thursday) Room 1318 Memo Due: November 30 th in the CEE box by 2pm

References Alred, Gerald J., Charles T. Brusaw, and Walter E. Oliu. Handbook of Technical Writing. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, Print. "The Online Writing Lab at Purdue (OWL)." Welcome to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL). N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct Wallace, Roger. "Advice for Technical Memos." Msu.edu. N.p., 16 Aug Web. 31 Oct

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