value judgments, which must be explained and justified”. In addition to keeping a proper memo concise and easily comprehensible, there are a few other important features. The style and tone of a memo should always be kept professional, no matter who the audience may be. This etiquette ensures that no matter who reads the message, it is presented professionally and respectfully. It is common to also see briefing notes with numbered paragraphs, in order to create an efficient and well-organized paper. Since entering the digital age, signatures are not commonly seen at the end of a memo. However, when a briefing note was handwritten in earlier years, they typically included a signature. Today it is still acceptable to sign or initial a memo if the writer wishes to. See also Bench memorandum Grey literature Memorandum of agreement Memorandum of association Memorandum of conversation Memorandum of understanding Mémoire Presidential memorandum Private Placement Memorandum Note taking References External links RPI.edu, The Writing Center: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Washington.edu, Memorandum Writing, Patrick, Richard F. Elmore, Laurie Werner. How to Write Briefing Notes, Parkinson, Robert B. Classic Format of a Briefing Note, Parkinson, Robert B. Legal documents Email Business terms Business documents Grey literature