Tips on Writing Professional Memoranda
- Leave room for all members of the team to initial the finished product.
- In the first paragraph, come directly to the point. Oftentimes mangers want to hear the "bottom-line" first.
- Be concise.
- Do not assume that those reading your work have any statistical background.
- Avoid contractions and abbreviations.
- Do not write in the first person if avoidable.
- Refer to all atachments directly, and in order (if you are not going to refer to it, don't include it).
- Justify your memo.
- Clearly label all attachments, graphs, charts, etc.
- Make sure your company name is on all attachments.
- Keep it to a page or less of written text.
- Include a little levity; that always keeps the Professor in a good mood.
Sample Memorandum
This page maintained by Dave Ledgerwood '99 and Professor Kurland.