Tips for the Introductory Memo

A few hints about the Introductory Memo Project.

Keep in mind, first and foremost, that you must follow good memo format:

• the introduction of every memo should set the context for the memo and answer the question, “What is this about?”
  
• get in the habit of previewing every memo at the end of the introduction, usually with a bulleted list of headings so that readers can find the sections they want quickly and easily;
  
• use headers strategically to help guide your readers through the text; each header represents a section; you should use multiple paragraphs in each section; in business writing, keep your paragraphs short and to the point;
  
• use topic sentences to lead every paragraph so that your readers know exactly what the point is;
  
• the conclusion of every memo should summarize the memo and leave an open avenue for communication, normally an email address, so that readers can contact you if they have any questions.

That's a quick list, but it covers the essentials of competent document formatting for business writing. If you have questions about formatting or MS-Word functions, be sure to raise them over at the class discussion board.

Good luck with your memo. Remember, if you want to participate in the peer review, you should post your first draft to the peer review space on the discussion board by Sunday.