Memo Style

Because memos are a form of business communication, they are somewhat formal but not as formal as a letter to someone outside the organization. With that in mind, be natural but don't be chatty or too casual in your approach. Save small-talk and social niceties for face-to-face or phone contact.

Your tone should be neutral or positive. Avoid using ostentatious language or complicated sentence structures that can make you sound pompous. Be careful when writing about negative subjects, such as a memo directed to employees who are not adhering to a company policy. Being too cold, authoritative or condescending will alienate your audience, but being too soft will result in your directive being ignored. Thus, strive to be friendly and straightforward, which will project a considerate quality to your readers.

Sample Memo