Audience Analysis

The typical audience for a memo is your co-workers and colleagues. However, in the age of downsizing, outsourcing, and teleconferencing, you might also write memos to employees from other companies working on the project, or other departments within your company.

This is why knowing your audience is very important when writing a memo. For example, if your audience is generally familiar with you professionally and/or your role in the project, it is not necessary to provide a detailed background about your purpose. If they are new to the project, provide detailed background information so that they understand the situation and can provide constructive feedback if desired.

It is helpful, however, to inform readers about the context. In other words, do not only write that a meeting will take place by listing the date and time. Inform why the meeting is occurring in the first place. Also, do not assume that your readers have contact information. Always include some way for them to get in touch with you and other members of the team working on the project.

As a student, you may have to write memos to your instructor or classmates. When composing academic memos, consider what this audience already knows about the subject. For example, if you are writing a memo for a paper, does your audience already know what the paper is about? What further information do they require to provide understanding?

When writing a memo, consider the audience's knowledge of the topic and previous experience, and draft your memo to take care of those needs. If you need more help with analyzing your audience,
View the Audience Guide

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Writing Business Memos

Audience Analysis