Topic: Sample Memo Brief

The purpose of this memo is to provide the learners a sample

memo brief as a basis for their memo brief for the Science,
technology and society course. This memo will provide guidance in
terms of how the specific topics will be written in the memo
brief that was assigned to the students. This memo will also
provide guidelines in the write up of the memo. This part
provides the overview or the purpose why is the memo written and
what is it all about.

What is a memo brief?

A memo brief “reports findings of one’s research and may or
may not include a position on the topic” (Lee, n.d.). To ask
somebody to come up with a memo brief have some objectives. As
provided by the author these are: a) asking somebody to “research
on a topic” and ask that person to write up what was learned; b)
then it can be asked that the writer presents his or her position
on the topic.
Background of the memo
According to Lee (n.d.), the memo was the “primary written
form of communication among co-workers as letters are the primary
form of communication to people outside the organization.” With
the advent of the email, memos were said to be the “documents
created when information they present will be kept on file and
become a resource or a record of findings” (Lee, n.d.).
What does the Memo Brief Include?
Lee (nd.) further discussed that the memo “presents a
conclusion at the beginning of the memo”. In this course
requirement, it is usually the overview of why the need to study
the topic in Science, Technology and Society. Likewise present
what have you learned about the topic. Specifically, present how
the topic relates to science, technology and society. The format
is for ease of reading (Forster, 2018). To be guided in the
contents of the memo brief, the following may be included
(Lee,n,d):
 Conclusion, Recommendations or Key Takeaways (why)
 Definition or description of the Issues/ topic (what)
  Relevant Background (How, who or where)
 Current Status
 Central Issues. Problems, opportunities
 Options or alternatives
 Sources (References)
The ones enclosed in the parenthesis specifies some of the
things that can be included in the requirement. Though you can
outline the topics necessary to be included as agreed upon by
the group. A conclusion can be provided at the end of the
memo.
Characteristics of an Effective Memo Brief
A memo brief that is effective meets “the needs of the
reader and of the writer.” Thus, the writer needs to identify the
need for the memo brief. In this case, the memo brief provides
the reader the necessary understanding of the topic in relation
to STS. For the memo to be effective the following will be
considered (Lee, n.d.):
Clear. The reader should be able to identify the key
takeaway. And that each paragraph should present a single idea.
The memo contain all the necessary information that reader needs.
Concise. The writer should be able to identify that the
information included are necessary and enough to attain the goals
of the memo. Likewise, each word should written and should be
able to contribute to the understanding of the content. Sentences
should not be more that 20 words long. And paragraphs should not
be more than 8 lines long.
Compelling. The memo should be visually appealing. It should
not be presenting too many information at one time. Likewise,
present the context of the information included.
Context-specific. The memo should make sure that the
reader’s possible questions will be answered. The memo should be
able to provide the “right level of background and detail for the
reader.”
Correct. The writer writing the memo should consider that
information sources are accurate and reliable. Use of appropriate
rules of grammar and punctuations were followed.

Conclusion
 The idea of coming up with a memo, is to provide the class
with the necessary resource for learning. This maximizes the time
of everyone else and focuses the effort of one person to one
topic only. It also provides a shared responsibility of the
learning that must be shared. Likewise, it should trigger
personal reflection - to make one desire a good life not only for
oneself, but for community as a whole.

REFERENCES
Forster, C. (2018). 3 key tips to writing killer briefing memos

for Very Important people. Retrieved at

https://medium.com/the-steak-and-egg-society/3-key-tips-to-

writing-killer-briefing-memos-for-very-important-people-

64ff45b8ddc9

Lee,N.E. (n.d.). executive briefing memo guide clear,concise,

compelling, context-specific, correct. Retrieved at

https://oneclass.com/class-notes/us/boston-u/info-sys/smg-is-

223/923885-smg-is-223-lecture-3.en.html