Transcript Memos and E-mail Messages

Principles for In-House Communication
• View as your ally
• Exercise good taste and
judgement
• Prefer positive language
• Follow appropriate procedures
• Express the whole message
Management
Communication 2e
Chapter 9
Bell / Smith
Slide 1 of 5
Using Positive Language
NEGATIVE
• You failed to notice
• You neglected to mention
• You overlooked the fact
POSITIVE
• May I point out that
• We should also consider
• One additional fact is
Management
Communication 2e
Chapter 9
Bell / Smith
Slide 2 of 5
Send the Whole Message
• Past meaning – what has happened ?
• Present meaning – what is happening?
• Future meaning – what will happen ?
• Emotion – how do I feel ?
Management
Communication 2e
Chapter 9
Bell / Smith
Slide 3 of 5
Four Common Memo Mistakes
• Telegram writer
• Scrawler
• Windbag
• Tease
Management
Communication 2e
Chapter 9
Bell / Smith
Slide 4 of 5
Overview
(Words)
Men’s Hat Sales Prior to 1990
(Words)
Long Memo,
Page Arrangement
(Statistics)
Men’s Hat Sales Since 1990
(Words)
(Statistics)
Management
Communication 2e
Chapter 9
Bell / Smith
Slide 5 of 5