A memo should convey information to persuade one to take action. The action taken should then help solve a problem. Keeping this in mind helps structure a memo.
Notwithstanding the header, the opening segment presents the context, the problem, and the task. Context, problem, and task go hand in hand. In fact, a simple memo can be expressed in a single sentence, with a subject, a predicate, and a clause : "Mom, returning from school, I noticed that there is no fudge in the fridge !"
The main part clarifies what has been presented. Argumentation, sources and notes should be kept to a minimum. A minimum is the nearest to zero as possible : "Would you buy some so I may live happily forevermore?"
The ending should add some twist and style : "I love you, Mom, when the fridge is full of fudge." No summary should be needed, but it's possible to give one. Wrapping things neatly should echo the choice of title.
The title should reflect the context, the problem, and the task : "Feeding Fudge to the Fridge". A simple memo should be precise, brief, yet elegant. No wonder why : one seeks to persuade without demanding.
