1. WRITING MEMORANDA Professional Writing
College of Public and Community Service
University of Massachusetts Boston
©2012 William Holmes

2. MEMORANDUM
A short statement focused on an issue sent to co-workers or colleagues

3. PURPOSE OF MEMOS
Educate
Direct
Solicit
Document
Introduce
Remind

4. ELEMENTS OF MEMOS Heading—to, from, date, subject 1st section—purpose
2nd section—information
3rd section—action expected, unless FYI

5. FORMAT OF MEMOS Single space 1” margins Paragraph double space
Bullets for summarizing or listing

6. MEMO GUIDELINES Consider audience Be specific Use professional tone
Specify actions desired
Specify responses desired
State your understanding for documentation