92
How to write a good memo
1. Viewpoint
"I have a profound appreciation for short memos. My favourite memo is one sentence in length. My second favourite is two sentences. And so on. My executives know this. If they want to win me over, they better do it quickly. Lengthy memos don't impress me; they worry me."
2. Here's an idea
Try personalising your notes, memos or letters, so that they are immediately recognised as yours. For example:
- Use ink of a distinctive colour, such as deep purple, brown or green.
- Use an unusual pen point, such as a lettering pen or a very wide point.
- Sign your note or memo with just your initial letter or a nickname.
- Always include a hand-written postscript or marginal note.
- Underline by hand, words or phrases that you feel you want to stress.
- End with a sketched smiling face.
Remember, personality can give wings to thoughts.
3. Here's an idea
There are three areas in your memo or report where readers will immediately notice an error: The headline; a title; and the first line of copy. Unfortunately, those are also the three places where you’re most likely to miss an error when proofreading your writing. …
