How to Negotiate a Memorandum

Negotiating a memo can take some time and concentration at your desk.

A memorandum, also called a memo, is a document or other communication that records events or observations on a topic. Memos are used primarily in politics, diplomacy or business.



A memo may follow any format, though formats are often specific to an office or institution. One example is a memorandum of understanding, which in some instances is a binding contract.



Writing a memo, no matter its audience, requires certain skills and experience.

Instructions

1. Understand the position of the negotiating parties. Many times all parties make their position clear at one or more meetings.

2. Come up with a list of objectives that you'd like to achieve with the memo. Diplomatic memos are particularly sensitive, as their wording can sometimes make a literal difference between war and peace. The Bush-Blair Iraq war memo is an example.

3. Put forward a draft memorandum that meets your objectives. If the other parties are not happy with certain points, listen to their objections.

   If the objections are fair, you can agree to amend the memo as necessary. However, if you are making any concessions, ask for a more favorable wording of the memorandum in its other sections.

4. Reach a compromise with all negotiating parties and agree on a final version of the memorandum that all participants will sign.

References

• Washington.edu: Memoranda Writing
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Memos
• BBC: Bush-Blair Iraq war memo revealed