Email is a communication method that uses electronic devices to deliver messages across

computer networks. Email refers to both the delivery system and individual messages that are
sent and received. Email messages are sent from software programs and web browsers,
collectively referred to as email ‘clients.’ Individual messages are routed through multiple
servers before they reach the recipient’s email server, similar to the way a traditional letter might
travel through several post offices before it reaches its recipient’s mailbox.
A memo is used for internal communications regarding procedures or official business within an
organization. Unlike an email, a memo is a message you send to a large group of employees, like
your entire department or everyone at the company. You might need to write a memo to inform
staff of upcoming events or broadcast internal changes.
Differences between emails and memos:
Components
Emails often include carbon copy (cc) and blind carbon copy (bcc) components. This is helpful
for professionals who want to add recipients to an email without adding their information to the
received message header. Senders add recipients to the cc portion of the email because they
might be aware of the content in the email but not directly involved in the email's topic.
Memorandums typically exclude cc and bcc components. This is often due to the memo's formal
nature and affects all individuals included in the distribution list.
Nature of writing
The nature of writing in an email is less formal and can appear more conversational to some
readers. Emails often start with a friendly greeting and end with a warm salutation. Sometimes,
senders also convey information through multiple emails as they gather more data, ask more
questions and develop their inquiries. Professionals' writing memos frequently have more formal
writing with stricter style guides and professional language. This can help prevent any confusion
and relay crucial information efficiently in one message.
Features
Emails have many additional features that can enhance readability and email scalability. This
might include short paragraphs, bullet points or changing margins to help readers scan and retain
information easily. Memos often use columns and different headings to emphasize certain points
throughout the document. This can help readers understand the important portions of the memo
and retain that information for later.
Signature
Emails often finish with a signature after a friendly sign-off. Some individuals also use this
opportunity to add inspirational quotes or include their company information to help clarify who
they are to readers. Memos typically end after the final paragraph of information with the use of
a signature line. Occasionally, a memo might include the signature from a company's executive
C-level team members, which helps reinforce the memo's importance.
Closing
An email also frequently includes a closing statement. This might involve a summary of the
email's information or might remind readers what to accomplish. This can help readers remember
this email and complete tasks in a timely manner. Memos often exclude this portion but
occasionally include a conclusion paragraph.
Types
Both communication methods have many types, which can help professionals find the right
communication method that works for them. Some common email types include:
 Newsletters
 Lead nurturing emails
 Information request emails
 Promotional emails
 Milestone emails
 Surveys
There are also several types of memos, including:
 Directives
 Progress memos
 Status memos
 Trip reports
 Responses
 Lab reports
 Field reports
 Meeting minutes
 Policy updates
Example of email
Hi [name]
Thank you so much for [action they did] It was such a pleasure to work with you, and I’m very
excited about the next opportunity to work together again.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can provide any additional information.
Best regards,

[name and job title]

Example of memo
MEMORANDUM
To: All Staff
From: The Manager
Date: May 27, 2021
Subject: Inappropriate use of time on Google Doodle games
Coworkers,
It has come to my attention that many in the office have been spending time on the Google home
page microgames. This memo is a reminder to use your work hours for work.
According to a recent article, the estimated daily cost of people collectively playing these games
instead of working is over $120 million—which is calculated based on the daily average
increased time spent on the Google home page (36 seconds).
If these estimates are applied to our 600 office employees, this results in a nearly $700 weekly
loss.
This is a conservative estimate considering the extensive discussions that occur about beating the
office's current high score. The extra cost quickly adds up.
Of course, we don't want you to view our organization as a place of drudgery and draconian
rules. I encourage a fun and competitive environment, and I recognize that we certainly won't be
profitable if you are unhappy or dissatisfied with your jobs. This is just a reminder to be careful
with your use of company time.
Thank you,
The Manager