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How to Write a Memo on a Presentation

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Memos are meant to be brief forms of communication used in the workplace to document what was communicated to whom when. You may be asked to write a memo about a presentation to staff members who were unable to attend, or you may be asked to write a memo about a presentation you wish to give, almost as a proposal.

Use the memo template provided by your company. If this isn't available, use the templates provided in Word by clicking File>New; then choose "On My Computer" (Under "New Document">Templates); then select the "Memos" tab and choose a layout. In Word:Mac, find memo templates by clicking on Tools>Letter Wizard; then click on "Choose a page design" to pick a memo layout you like best.

Have handouts, printed presentation slides or presentation notes handy.

Begin the memo by providing the name of the presentation, the presenter, where the presentation was given (or would be given) and the purpose of the presentation.

Summarize the presentation by highlighting the main points, or, if only a part or parts of the presentation are pertinent to your readers, cover that info only. Use section or slide headings as guides. Pay attention to what the presenter thought important enough to highlight with a handout or example.

Tell the reader where, if possible, he can access the presentation slides, video or podcast as well as additional information on the topic if needed.

Direct the reader's next steps in the last sentence of the memo. For example, tell the reader if he is to bring the memo to a meeting, to use the presentation's information in his day-to-day duties or share the information with his direct reports.

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Gail began writing professionally in 2004. Now a full-time proofreader, she has written marketing material for an IT consulting company, edited auditing standards for CPAs and ghostwritten the first draft of a nonfiction Amazon bestseller. Gail holds a Master of Arts in English literature and has taught college-level business communication, composition and American literature.

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