"Who am I writing to?" and "What do I want to say?"
Getting the message across - exercise 2
- B – all the content points are addressed and expanded where relevant to the task. The target reader would be fully informed and able to act on the information given.
(A – attempts to deal with the bullets, but it is unclear which meeting it is and who will deputise. There are some irrelevancies). - B – the grammar and vocabulary are varied, appropriate and accurate (because of previous arrangements which I can’t change; Jan Korwalski, a very good worker, will go instead of me), and the writer has written instead of me rather than copying in [my] place from the task. It is wellorganised and coherent, using a variety of cohesive devices (but; because of; which). to good effect.
(A – uses everyday vocabulary generally appropriately but misspellings sometimes distract (cluent; colleg; rellable). Structures are simple and some of the errors are noticeable (His verry rellable; Please fixed; my colleg Andrei go) although meaning can be determined. Simple organisational features are present but it lacks cohesion at times)
Tips for clear Memos
“Always consider the audience and their needs when preparing a memo. An acronym or abbreviation that is known to management may not be known by all the employees of the organization, and if the memo is to be posted and distributed within the organization, the goal is clear and concise communication at all levels with no ambiguity.”
“Memos are often announcements, and the person sending the memo speaks for a part or all of the organization. While it may contain a request for feedback, the announcement itself is linear, from the organization to the employees. The memo may have legal standing as it often reflects policies or procedures, and may reference an existing or new policy in the employee manual, for example.”
“The subject is normally declared in the subject line and should be clear and concise. If the memo is announcing the observance of a holiday, for example, the specific holiday should be named in the subject line—for example, use “Thanksgiving weekend schedule” rather than “holiday observance”.”
“Some written business communication allows for a choice between direct and indirect formats, but memorandums are always direct. The purpose is clearly announced.”
“Memos are a place for just the facts, and should have an objective tone without personal bias, preference, or interest on display. Avoid subjectivity.”
Reference:
Lewis, L. (2009, February 13). Panasonic orders staff to buy £1,000 in products. Retrieved from http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/japan/article5723942.ece
exercise 4
1. A (B is wrong because it doesn’t refer to spending on courier services. C is wrong because it explains why spending on courier services has risen. The first bullet asks candidates to explain that spending has risen.)
2. C (A is wrong because according to the task, you want to reduce the company’s spending on courier services. B is wrong because it asks for suggestions, instead of making them.)
3. B (A is wrong because it asks for suggestions, instead of saying how the money will be spent. C is wrong because it doesn’t say how the money will be spent.)
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