Ohio University College of Business Communication Standards

Plain Paper Memo
MEMORANDUM (Optional Heading)
DATE: April 19, 2003 Line 13, Two inches from top of page.
1 blank line
TO: Russell B. Smart, Vice President
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FROM: Lynne Rusley, Marketing Director
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SUBJECT: SCHEDULING MANAGEMENT COUNCIL SPEAKERS
2 blank lines
This memo illustrates a plain paper style, which is a memo written on plain paper. The
memo should have one-inch margins. Leave two blank lines between SUBJECT line and
first line of memo text. This paragraph should announce good news directly and cordially.
If a list is used, list data in columns with headings for easy reading as follows:
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Date Speaker Topic
November 14 Dr. Mary Jean Lush Successful Performance
Appraisals
January 12 Jeanette Spencer, President Conducting Legal
Spencer & Associates Employment Interviews
March 13 Dr. Karen S. McDowell Avoiding Sexual
Colorado Consultants Harassment Suits
1 blank line
One space should be used before and after the list. This paragraph uses short, active-voice
sentences. If options are used, highlight with (1) and (2) as follows:
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(1) Time Management for Today’s Managers
(2) Effective Use of Intranets and Web Sites
1 blank line
The final paragraph provides a deadline and reason for the deadline. Additional tips for
writing a memo include: single space all memos, double space between paragraphs, and use
one-inch margins. If a memo requires two pages, use a second-page heading that includes
the addressee’s name, page number, and date. Instead of a signature, your initials should be
handwritten after your typed name in the heading. Include an enclosure line if the memo has
an attachment.
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