Communication Within a Company — The Memorandum (Memo)

Question 1

The term “memo” comes from the Latin memorare → memorandus, meaning “to state” or “to tell.”

In an organization, a memo is a short official note written to one person or several individuals (e.g., members, faculty, office heads).

Memos usually contain routine information and are used for internal communication.

Answer 1

What is a Memo

Question 2

Memos can be used to:
a. Announce events or occasions
b. Communicate changes (policies, procedures)
c. Confirm discussions, decisions, and meetings
d. Submit documents (reports, data, research results)
e. Make recommendations
f. Request further information
g. Solicit opinions

Answer 2

Purpose of Memos (Joe Locicero, 2007)

Question 3

Civilized: polite and respectful in tone

Concise: brief and to the point

Coherent: clear and logically organized

Compelling: engaging and motivating action or response

Correct: free of errors, accurate information

Answer 3

Characteristics of Effective Memos (Adelheid Thieme, Arizona State University)
Effective memos should be: