Tips for an Effective Case Position Memo

Tips for an Effective Case Position Memo

The following tips will help you
create an effective case posit
ion memo. They are
based on common
problems with memos. Going forward, we will indicate how you ca
n improve your memo by using these
numbers in our comments.
1.
Write in a professional tone and
keep your comments focused on
the interests of your reader.
The tone should be formal, not c
onversational. Do not write as
if you are speaking to the client.
Consider yourself a highly paid consultant who has been hired b
y the decision‐maker in the
case. The tone and quality of yo
ur writing will impact your cre
dibility and your future income
from consulting.
2.
Start with an introductory parag
raph that clearly states your p
osition or rec
ommendation and
the primary support for it. This will prepare your reader for t
he rest of your memo. It will serve
as a map to guide them through
your thought process so that the
y will arrive at the same
conclusion you have.
3.
Make statements that add value. Write about things that are new
and valuable to your reader –
your interpretation or analysis
of the situation, for example.
DO NOT simply repeat case facts.
Your reader knows them and is pay
ing you for your insight and a
nalysis.
4.
Use case facts to support your re
commendation and demonstrate w
hy it is appropriate.
5.
Make sure that your report case
facts accurately. Your reader k
nows the case facts. Misstating
case facts will seriously damage your credibility.
6.
Write clearly and simply. Keep comments brief and to the point.
7.
Check your spelling. Most word p
rocessing packages have a “spel
l check” feature. Use it or use a
dictionary. Spelling mistakes
undermine your credibility.
8.
Check your grammar. For example,
make sure your subject and ver
b agree.
9.
Check your sentence structure. M
ake sure that each sentence mak
es sense and is easy for your
reader to understand.
10.
Conclude with a brief paragraph
that summarizes your main point
s. Leave your reader with a
strong sense of your position and reasoning.
11.
Observe the length requirements.
Assume your reader, a corporat
e executive, has specifically
set a maximum length (1‐page as defined in the syllabus) due to
time constraints. It is not
appropriate or professional to disregard the guidelines set by
your high paying client.
12.
REREAD YOUR MEMO BEFORE YOU TURN IT IN!