Write a Memo
Summary
Students will practice writing a fictitious work-related
memo. Students will practice using MS Word, while
strengthening their typing and writing skills.
Overview
Activity: How to write a memo
Skill Level: Beginner MS Word
Time required: 20-30 minutes
Activity Goals:
- Practice using MS Word
- Practice typing
- Learn how to write a memo
Materials Needed:
MS Word
Prerequisites:
Basic knowledge of MS Word
Basic to intermediate typing skills
Procedure:
Write a memo to ______ about _______.
Three options:
To your secretary about why her outfit is inappropriate
for work.
To your boss about a vacation you want to take a week
from today.
To your coworker about the "Managers Meeting"
that was scheduled for today at 3pm but has been rescheduled
for tomorrow at 9am. (Be creative in describing what
will be discussed at the Managers Meeting.)
Memoranda
As opposed to a formal business letter, a memorandum is a short, informal written statement that is used when addressing people within your company or agency.
A memo consists
of the following:
Heading: The heading,
at the top of the page, is usually centered, bolded
and in all capital letters. It usually says "MEMORANDUM."
Spaces between each letter are optional.
Format:
The following format comes before the contents of
the memo:
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT [another option
is RE:]
Body: The body contains
the main ideas about the subject being discussed.
It may include an enclosure/Attachment of carbon copy
notation.
Carbon copy notations: Carbon copy notations are simply the names of other people to whom this memo will be sent. Any copies are marked below the body of the memo with the initials CC, a colon (:) and the name(s) of other staff receiving the memo.
Enclosures/Attachments:
An enclosure or attachment is any additional document
being sent along with the memo. The abbreviation "Enc."
means that an attachment is included.
Note: Memos are not signed like letters. They should be initialed by the sender next to his/her name at the From line.