Name:_________________________Date____________________
Francis Tuttle
. . . the Leader in Career and Professional Development
12777 N. Rockwell Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73142-2789 405/722-7799
A Learning Activity Packet
Basic Business Correspondence
Major Instructional Area/Course e-mails, Memos, and Letters
LAP Two Writing Memos
LAP Objective
Upon completion of this LAP, you will be able to:
· Compose a business memo
· Edit business memos
You will demonstrate competency by completing the assignments, and tests in this LAP with 85% accuracy.
Specific Objectives:
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References: Writing in the Workplace, Marylyn Calabrese, M.D.
Better Business Writing, Susan L. Brock
| LAP 2-AC-memo&letter |
7-22-04 |
Prerequisite(s) LAP 1-AC-memo&letter |
Time Range 5 hrs |
LEARNING ACTIVITIES PAGE
Directions: Write a check on the blank as you complete each step
______ 1. READ LAP and Specific Objectives listed on cover page of this LAP #2-AC-memo&letter.
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______ 2. READ and STUDY: Information Sheet #1,”Writing Style,” page 3
______ 3. DO: Activity Sheet #1, page 4.
______ 4. READ and STUDY: Information Sheet #2, “Memo Format,” page 5.
______ 5. DO: Activity Sheet # 2, page 6.
______ 6. READ and STUDY: Information Sheet #3, “Memo Purpose,” page 7.
______ 7. DO: Activity Sheet #3, page 8
______ 6. Do Performance Activity #1, page 9.
Information Sheet #1
Writing Style
Business correspondence should be written in a style that is clear and easily understood. Your writing style should be Courteous, Conversational, Concise, and Specific.
Courtesy includes:
1. Develop a YOU attitude. Stay away from I.
2. Use PLEASE and THANK YOU.
3. Show respect.
4. Be nice.
Conversational tone
1. Write the way you speak, simply and directly.
2. Don’t be flowery.
3. Don’t use big words that you cannot spell.
Concise:
1. Chose your words carefully.
2. Avoid long sentences.
3. Place the most important information at the beginning of the sentence.
Specific:
1. Include all-important information.
2. Ask yourself, “Would someone with no knowledge of this information understand what I am saying? Did I include all the details? Who?What?Why?Where?When?How?
Activity Sheet # 1
True or False
_______ Write long sentences.
_______ Chose your words carefully.
_______ Flowery language is always best.
_______ Use Please and Thank You.
_______ Place the most important information at the end.
_______ Don’t be nice.
_______ Use big words; the audience will be impressed.
_______ You should not write the way you speak.
_______ Leave some information out so that the reader will have to call you for details.
_______ Always use the YOU attitude.
_______ Show respect
_______ Do not give specifics
Information Sheet #2
Memo Format
Memos may be typed on preprinted forms, letterhead, or plain paper. They may also be paperless via e-mail. Because they are internal, memos can be less formal than business letters but should still follow the general guidelines for good business writing (LAP 1). The length of the memo will be determined by its content, but they are usually brief.
Each memo should contain:
1. Heading (Date, To, From, and Subject)
2. Subject and details
3. Response (do you need a reply)
Below is a sample of a memo format:
Activity Sheet #2
Using the memo on the previous page, answer the following questions.
What is the purpose of this memo?
_____________________________________________________
What is in the standard memo heading?
a.__________________________________________
b.__________________________________________
c.__________________________________________
d.__________________________________________
Answer the following questions from the memo on the previous page:
Who? ________________________________________________
What? ________________________________________________
Why? _________________________________________________
When? ________________________________________________
Where? ________________________________________________
How? __________________________________________________
Information Sheet #3
Purpose of the Memo
There are several steps in writing effective letters and memos. The first step is to determine the purpose. Why do you need to write the memo. Is your purpose to inform, complain, request, persuade? Is it a good news or bad news correspondence? Are you just looking for information?
Give information – message that strictly gives facts and figures
1.Tell the purpose of the memo
2.Give facts and figures in a clear format
Complain – message that reports and complains and asks for correction
1.State clearly what is wrong
2.Give details
3. Tell the reader exactly what you want
Persuade – message that convinces the reader to action
1.Get the readers attention
3. Show the benefits to the reader
4.Minimize any obstacles the reader may have
5.Use a strong goodwill closing
Good News – message of good will
1.Show appreciation, recognition, or thanks
2.Be short, specific, and upbeat
Bad News – Messages that refuse a request, deny credit, cancel a program, or tell a customer that his order has been delayed
1. Begin with a neutral or pleasant statement
2.Explain the reason for the bad news. Provide details
3.State the bad news
4.Offer an alternative, if possible.
Request – message that asks for something like general information, customer service, product details, catalogs, free items.
1.Summarize your request
2.Provide all the necessary details
3.Tell the reader exactly what to do
4.Make sure to say thank you
Activity Sheet #3
Give two specific examples of the kinds of memo you might write for each of the following memo purposes.
Give information – message that strictly gives facts and figures
1.___________________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________________
Complain – message that reports and complains and asks for correction
1.___________________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________________
Persuade – message that convinces the reader to action
1.___________________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________________
Good News – message of good will
1.___________________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________________
Bad News – Messages that refuse a request, deny credit, cancel a program, or tell a customer that his order has been delayed
1.____________________________________________________________
2.____________________________________________________________
Request information – message that makes a direct request such as general information, customer service, or product details
1.____________________________________________________________
2.____________________________________________________________
Performance Activity # 1
Please write the following memos:
1. Information - A memo notifying employees that a meeting is scheduled to explain the new health insurance.
2. Complaint – A memo complaining about a product you received.
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3. Persuade – Talk the reader into using a new product.
4. Good news – Notify all staff that we are getting a raise.
5. Bad news – The photo order will be late.
6. Request – I need information on a product.
Use your imagination to fill in details.
Write the memos on Word and attach them to an e-mail to your teacher, or you may turn in a paper copy. Please make sure and include all the parts of the standard memo heading. Watch spacing. Be clear and concise. Don’t forget your purpose, audience, and details (who, what, why, when, where, how).
Did you remember to use Courtesy and Conversational Tone? Were you Clear and Specific?
You will have six memos in all to turn in to your teacher. Please put your name, date, and type of memo on each page. You may attach your memos in Word format and send them to www.wroberts@francistuttle.com
Each memo will be judged on the following items:
| Do you have: |
Info |
Comp |
Persuade |
Good |
Bad |
Request |
| Standard memo heading |
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| Point stated clearly, concisely |
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| Who? |
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| What? |
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| Why? |
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| Where? |
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| When? |
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| How? |
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| Courteous, conversational tone |
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| Memo format, proper spacing |
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| total (100 points each possible) |