Memo Writing (3)

Objectives:
Students will be able to
a. finish the first draft of their memos in class.
b. use what they learn about tone to revise their memo in that area.
c. use the rubric provided to revise their memo.

I. Please finish your memo. [15 min]
   If you already have, please use the rubric provided to start revising this first draft.

II. Revise your first draft. Use the rubric provided. [15 min]

II. A lesson on TONE
Tone in writing is not really any different than the tone of your voice. You know that sometimes it is not “what” you say, but “how” you say it.

Ask students to say this phrase using the different tones of voice indicated in parenthesis:

It’s a beautiful day.     (happy)

It’s a beautiful day.     (exciting)

It’s a beautiful day.     (serious)

It’s a beautiful day.     (sad)

It’s a beautiful day.     (sarcastic)

What determines tone?  a. vocabulary      b. sentence structure     
                                              c. level of formality

Tone: What is it? Why is it important?

  PPP

Take a look at this memorandum. Discuss with a partner:

a. What's the problem?

b. What kind of reaction this memorandum will trigger in the readers. 

c. How would you improve it. 

Here is an improved copy.

Cultural Preferences: Culture may have a role to play in the tone that is used for memoranda. While some cultures prefer a conversational, more reader-friendly tone, other cultures opt for a more business-like, formal approach, and yet others would prefer the authoritarian tone of "I'm the boss, you do as I say."  Discuss the following:

a. What is the tone generally used in memos in the company, or companies, you have worked for in your country?  Do you now if it is different from the tone used in memos in American companies?

b) Have you ever felt angry, disappointed, or intimidated by a memo you received?  

c) Have you ever had to write a memo you didn't feel comfortable sending because of what it said?

Recomendations for U.S. business environments

PPP

Revise your memo for tone. 

Homework:  Write a second draft of your memo and have it ready for next class. We will do peer review next class.

Sources:

Ahmed, S. Course Overview. UIUC ESL TA Writing Resources.

Britt Roebuck, D. Improving Business Communication Skills. 4^th ed. P. 484.

Author Stream. Writing Business Messages (PPP). Retrieved from http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/aSGuest31215-270698-PPT68-Entertainment-ppt-powerpoint/

George Mason University. The Writing Center. Adapted from the following SOM 301 materials:

Scott, N. (2010, Spring). Business Writing Basics, SOM 301.

Owl Writing Lab. Tone in Business Writing. Retrieved from https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/652/1/