Question
Memo defination
Answers
GPT-5 mini
A memo (short for memorandum) is a brief, written communication used mainly within an organization to inform, direct, document, or request action. It is typically more formal than casual email and used for internal policy announcements, status updates, meeting summaries, requests, or records of decisions.
Key features
- Purpose: communicates a single clear topic or action.
- Audience: internal recipients (individuals, teams, departments).
- Tone: concise and professional.
- Format: usually structured and easy to scan.
Common parts of a memo
- Header: To, From, Date, Subject (sometimes CC and Priority).
- Opening/Purpose: one sentence stating why the memo exists.
- Context/Background: brief relevant facts or history.
- Action/Details: what is happening, decisions, timelines, responsibilities.
- Closing/Recommendation: summary and next steps, contact for questions.
- Attachments/References: if supporting documents exist.
Short template
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Purpose:
Background:
Action/Details:
Next steps/Contact:
Sample (very brief)
To: All Staff
From: HR Director
Date: Oct 2, 2025
Subject: Deadline for Annual Benefits Enrollment
Purpose: Remind employees that annual benefits enrollment closes Oct 15.
Background: Open enrollment began Sept 15; changes require action this year.
Action: Log in to the benefits portal and complete your selections by Oct 15. Contact HR at [email protected] for help.
Attachment: Enrollment instructions
Etymology note: "Memo" comes from Latin memorandum, “something to be remembered.”
If you want, I can draft a memo for a specific situation — tell me the topic, audience, and desired action.
Key features
- Purpose: communicates a single clear topic or action.
- Audience: internal recipients (individuals, teams, departments).
- Tone: concise and professional.
- Format: usually structured and easy to scan.
Common parts of a memo
- Header: To, From, Date, Subject (sometimes CC and Priority).
- Opening/Purpose: one sentence stating why the memo exists.
- Context/Background: brief relevant facts or history.
- Action/Details: what is happening, decisions, timelines, responsibilities.
- Closing/Recommendation: summary and next steps, contact for questions.
- Attachments/References: if supporting documents exist.
Short template
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Purpose:
Background:
Action/Details:
Next steps/Contact:
Sample (very brief)
To: All Staff
From: HR Director
Date: Oct 2, 2025
Subject: Deadline for Annual Benefits Enrollment
Purpose: Remind employees that annual benefits enrollment closes Oct 15.
Background: Open enrollment began Sept 15; changes require action this year.
Action: Log in to the benefits portal and complete your selections by Oct 15. Contact HR at [email protected] for help.
Attachment: Enrollment instructions
Etymology note: "Memo" comes from Latin memorandum, “something to be remembered.”
If you want, I can draft a memo for a specific situation — tell me the topic, audience, and desired action.