Memo Review Essay

The writer knowing the audience will help with what information to keep or remove, whether the memo will be formal or informal, and word choice. Memoradum Review An informal memo, typically, is between two colleagues for notification of information or to obtain input on different subjects. Andrew Accountant’s memo was an informal memo the teammates to obtain information on the inventory methods of LastIn/FirstOut (LIFO) and FirstIn/ FirstOut (FIFO). The review of Andrew’s memo will show what information to use or remove and word choice, which both depends on the writer’s knowledge of the audience. Repercussions can arise when there is no knowledge of the audience. Inclusion of Information The information of a memo is important because it tells the audience the reason for writing the memo. Memorandums can have information that does not apply to the message. For instance, Andrew had information about Macy’s winning the test case against the United States right to use LIFO. This information is not necessary because it does not apply to the company. A memo with information overload can cause the audience to lose their attention, and it has the potential of letting the audience know that they have no knowledge of the subject. Word Choice â€Å"The words that communicate best will be those that appeal to your particular readers and enable them easily to understand what you are trying to say† (Flatley, Lesikar, & Rentz, p. 27, 2008). Word choice is important to written communication because it conveys the tone and personality of the writer; the audience cannot see the nonverbal communication, which it conveys the emotion and feelings behind verbal communication (Beebe & Masterson, p. 144, 2006), in written communication. For example, Andrew wrote stating the possibility that the team will recommend LIFO. The statement conveys the decision of which inventory method to recommend is made without team discussion. The team could have confusion on team leadership and feel their opinions do not matter which can harm the group communication. Andrew should have started the statement with ‘in my opinion’ and then the supporting details of his opinion. Jargon is a special language used in a group (jargon, n. d. ). The use of accounting terms is necessary for Andrew’s informal memo because it is the language used between the team. If the memo were to be directed at a different audience, there should be explanations of the accounting terms, so the audience can understand, or do not use the terms. When the audience cannot understand the message, they will lose attention and feel the writer was in rush and did not care about the message. Conclusion Overall, the audience is important because the audience has an influence on the language, format, and information. The writer wants to keep the audience attention and make sure the audience can understand the memo. Written communication can improve or harm a relationship depending on how the audience interprets the message. To achieve this, proofreading and editing is important to having an effective memo. Well-written memos are a good way of communication and show others with â€Å"respect and friendly human concern† (Flatley, Lesikar, & Rentz, p. 76, 2008). References Beebe, S. , & Masterson, J. (2006). Communicating in Small Groups: Principles and Practices (8th ed. ). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database. Flatley, M. E. , Lesikar, R. V. , & Rentz, K. (2008). Business Communication (11th ed. ). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database. jargon. (n. d. ). The American Heritage ® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Retrieved February 05, 2013, from Dictionary. com website: http://dictionary. reference. com/browse/jargon INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FROM:AFTDEN WHITE & TEAMMATES SUBJECT:LAST IN/FIRST OUT & FIRST IN/FIRST OUT DATE: FEBRUARY 5, 2013 In response, to the request of overview inventory methods: Last In/ First Out and First In/ First Out. The team researched and discussed the contrast between the two inventory methods. The choice of Last In/ First Out and First In/First Out will influence the profit and loss statements. The company should continue using Last In/ First Out if the costs remain the same, but we should move to First In/First Out if the costs increase, as expected. The question of whether the company’s Cost of Goods Sold and inventories cost will increase or decrease with the use of the two inventory methods. To our findings, the First In/First Out will decrease the value of the Cost of Goods Sold and have an increase value of inventory. The Last In/ First Out will decrease the value of Cost of Goods Sold and decrease the value of inventory. To improve the company’s cash flow and profit margin, the Last In/ First Out method is best. With Last In/ First Out, we can continue to reduce federal and state corporate income taxes. The reduction of corporate income taxes has leaded the company to better cash flow and profit margin. We recommend continuing to use the Last In/First Out because of the improvements it will have on cash flows and profit margin. Please find the overview to be helpful in making the decision of which inventory method to apply to the company. .