Writing Professional Business Memos
Grade 7 Business Communications Ms. Kenya Akins John R. Griffin Middle School
What is a Business Memo?
Internal communication within an organization More formal than emails but less formal than letters Used to share information, make announcements, or request action Typically one page or less Follows a specific format and structure
Memo vs. Email: Key Differences
{"left":"MEMO: Formal internal document\nEMAIL: Quick informal communication\nMEMO: Follows strict header format\nEMAIL: Flexible subject line only","right":"MEMO: Printed and distributed\nEMAIL: Digital only\nMEMO: Permanent company record\nEMAIL: Often deleted or archived"}
Memo Header Components
The BLUF Method
BLUF = Bottom Line Up Front Start with your main message in the first sentence Don't make readers hunt for important information State the purpose clearly and immediately Follow with supporting details
Memo Makeover Challenge
Work in pairs to fix a 'bad memo' Identify missing header elements Rewrite the opening using BLUF method Make the language more professional Present your improved version to the class
Think and Discuss
Why might a school principal use a memo instead of an email to announce a new policy? What could happen if the main message is buried in the middle of a memo? How does proper formatting help the reader?
Your Memo Writing Checklist
✓ Complete header (TO, FROM, DATE, SUBJECT) ✓ BLUF opening sentence ✓ Clear, concise body paragraphs ✓ Professional tone throughout ✓ Proper spelling and grammar ✓ One page or less