Quick Help: Guidelines for writing more effective memos and business email

• Clearly identify the subject.
• Begin with the most important information: depending on the memo’s purpose, you may have to provide background information, define the task or problem, or clarify the goal.
• Use your opening paragraph to focus on how the information you convey affects your readers.
• Focus each of your subsequent paragraphs on one idea pertaining to the subject.
• Relate your information concisely and present it from the readers’ perspective.
• Emphasize exactly what you want readers to do and when.
• Use attachments for detailed supporting information.
• Adjust your style and tone to fit your audience.
• Attempt to build goodwill in your conclusion.