Week 13: Memorandum, Notice of The Meeting, and Minutes of The Meeting Memorandum

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WEEK 13: MEMORANDUM, NOTICE OF THE • Sensitive Employee Data: Personal information about

employees, such as social security numbers or medical


MEETING, AND MINUTES OF THE MEETING
records, should be kept private.
• Legal Matters: Information related to ongoing legal
Memorandum disputes, settlements, or negotiations should remain
confidential.
• A memorandum, often abbreviated as "memo," is a • Strategic Plans: Detailed future business strategies and
brief written message or document typically used in expansion plans should be confidential to avoid
business or organizational settings to communicate potential risks and competitor advantages.
important information, instructions, or
announcements within an organization. 2. Issuing Instructions: Memos can provide instructions or
• Memo is a concise written document used for guidelines to employees or departments about specific
internal communication within organizations. tasks, procedures, or policies.
• Memos are a common form of communication in
business, government, and other institutions. 3. Making Announcements: They are often used to
announce events, meetings, changes in personnel, or other
Memos serve various purposes Including: important developments within the organization.

1. Sharing Information: Memos are used 4. Requesting Feedback: Memos can also be used to
to convey important information, such as solicit feedback, suggestions, or opinions from
updates, reports, or statistics, to employees recipients on specific issues or projects.
or colleagues within an organization.
5. Documenting Decisions: Memos may be used to
Information to be Shared: record decisions made in meetings or discussions for
future reference.
• Company Goals and Objectives: Share the
organization's strategic goals, mission, and vision to Memos usually have a specific format and structure,
align all employees with the company's direction. including the following elements:
• Project Updates: Regularly share project status,
milestones, and progress reports to keep team • Heading: The heading of a memorandum typically
members informed and coordinated. includes the following information:
• Meeting Agendas and Minutes: Distribute agendas ✓ Date: The date the memo is written.
before meetings and share minutes afterward to ensure ✓ To: The recipient(s) or department the memo is
transparency and accountability. addressed to.
• Financial Performance: Share financial reports, ✓ From: The name and position of the sender.
budgets, and revenue updates with relevant teams to ✓ Subject: A concise and descriptive title of the
track and achieve financial targets. memo's content.
• Operational Procedures: Share standard operating
procedures and guidelines for processes to maintain • Body: The body of the memo contains the actual
consistency and efficiency. message, which may include one or more of the
following components:
Information to be Kept Confidential: • Introduction: A brief overview of the purpose of
the memo.
• Trade Secrets: Protect proprietary information, like • Main Content: The details, instructions, or
manufacturing processes or unique formulas, to information you want to convey.
maintain a competitive advantage. • Conclusion: A summary or closing remarks.
• Financial Data: Confidential financial information, • Attachments: If there are any supporting documents or
including salaries, expenses, and profit margins, should additional information that need to be included, they
only be disclosed to authorized personnel. can be referenced or attached to the memo.
• Distribution: This section can specify who else should
receive copies of the memo, either for information or • Start the body of the memo after the subject line.
action. • Keep the content clear, concise, and organized.
• Signature: The sender may sign or initial the memo to • Use short paragraphs or bullet points for readability.
indicate its authenticity. • Use a professional tone and language.
• Memos are typically used to convey important • Provide context or background information if
information, make requests, or provide updates. necessary.
• Clearly state the main purpose of the memo.
Here's a guide on how to write a memo:
6. Recommendations or Action Items:
Writing a memo, short for memorandum, is a concise and
formal way to communicate within an organization or to • If the memo contains recommendations or action
specific recipients. Memos are typically used to convey items, make them stand out.
important information, make requests, or provide updates. • You can use headings like "Action Items" or
Here's a guide on how to write a memo: "Recommendations" to make them easily
identifiable.
1. Heading:
7. Attachments:
• Start your memo with a clear and informative
heading. • If there are any attachments, mention them in the
• Include the word "MEMORANDUM" or "MEMO" at memo.
the top, usually centered or justified to the left. • List the names of the attached documents and
• Add the date of the memo, which is the date it is briefly describe their content.
being written. • Attached: [List of Attachments]

MEMORANDUM 8. Closing:
Date: [Date]
• End the memo with a courteous and professional
2. To: closing.
• If appropriate, encourage recipients to contact you
• Include the names or titles of the recipients of the if they have questions or need clarification.
memo. Ex.
• You can list multiple recipients if necessary. • If you have any questions or need further
• If it's a department or group, you can address it information, please do not hesitate
broadly.
• To: [Recipient's Name/Department] 9. Signature:

3. From: • Sign your name below the closing.


• If the memo is being distributed electronically, you
• Provide your name and title. can simply type your name.
• This section identifies the author of the memo. • [Your Name]
• From: [Your Name] • [Your Title]

4. Subject: 10. Distribution:


• Write a clear and concise subject line that • Indicate how the memo should be distributed. For
summarizes the purpose of the memo. example, "Copy to:" and list the names of
• Make it informative but brief. individuals who should receive copies.
• Subject: [Subject of the Memo] Ex. Request for • Copy to: [Recipient's Name]
Extension on Assignment Submission 11. Proofread:
5. Body:
• Before finalizing the memo, proofread it for errors The notice of a meeting is an essential communication
in grammar, spelling, and clarity. tool that serves several important purposes.
Its importance cannot be overstated, as it helps ensure
12. Distribution: that a meeting is well-organized, productive, and that
• Distribute the memo to the intended recipients participants are adequately prepared.
through the appropriate channels (email, interoffice
mail, etc.). 1. Informing Participants: The notice serves as an official
announcement of the meeting's date, time, and
Remember to customize the content and format of your location.
memos to suit your organization's specific needs and • It ensures that participants are aware of when and
guidelines. where the meeting will take place, preventing
The key is to provide clear and concise information in a scheduling conflicts and misunderstandings.
professional and organized manner.
2. Setting Expectations: The agenda included in the notice
Notice of the meeting outlines the topics and purpose of the meeting.
• A notice of a meeting is a written communication that is • This informs participants about what will be
sent to individuals or participants to inform them about discussed and what is expected of them.
an upcoming meeting. • It helps set clear expectations for the meeting's
• This notice typically includes important information goals.
about the meeting, such as the date, time, location,
agenda, and any other relevant details. 3. Preparation: Participants can use the notice to
prepare for the meeting.
Here's a template for a basic notice of a • They can gather relevant materials, data, and
meeting: information in advance, which leads to more
• [Your Organization's Letterhead, if applicable] informed and productive discussions.
• [Date]
4. Attendance and Availability: By providing adequate
• To: [Recipient's Name]
notice, participants have the opportunity to adjust their
• [Recipient's Title/Position]
schedules or make arrangements to attend the meeting.
• [Company or Organization, if applicable]
• This helps ensure that key stakeholders are present
• [Address]
and available for the discussions.
• Subject: Notice of Meeting
Dear [Recipient's Name],
5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: In some organizations
I am writing to inform you about an upcoming meeting
and for specific types of meetings (e.g., board meetings,
that has been scheduled as follows:
shareholder meetings), providing proper notice may be a
• Date: [Date of the Meeting]
legal or regulatory requirement. Failing to do so can have
• Time: [Time of the Meeting]
legal consequences.
• Location: [Location/Venue]
• Agenda: [Brief description of the meeting's purpose and 6. Respect for Participants' Time: Giving participants
topics to be discussed] sufficient notice is a sign of respect for their time and
Sincerely, commitment.
• [Your Name] • It allows them to plan their day or week effectively
• [Your Title/Position] and allocate the necessary time for the meeting.
• [Your Contact Information]
7. Decision-Making: The notice can also include any
The above template can be customized to suit the documents or information that participants need to
specific details and needs of your meeting. review before the meeting.
Additionally, if your organization has specific • This ensures that decisions can be made more
requirements for notice of meetings, make sure to efficiently during the meeting, as everyone is
follow those guidelines. adequately informed.
8. Documentation and Record-keeping: A well- • They ensure that all participants and stakeholders
documented notice can serve as evidence that the meeting have a clear understanding of what transpired
was properly organized and participants were informed. This during the meeting and what tasks or
can be important for record-keeping, transparency, and responsibilities have been assigned.
compliance purposes.
3. Accountability: Meeting minutes help in
9. Minimizing Last-Minute Changes: Providing holding participants accountable for their commitments and
a notice well in advance allows for any necessary actions.
changes or adjustments to be made to the meeting's • They outline action items, deadlines, and
schedule or agenda without causing undue disruption. responsibilities, making it easier to track progress
and follow up on outstanding tasks.
10. Productivity and Efficiency: Proper notice • When individuals know that their contributions and
ensures that participants come to the meeting with the commitments are being documented, they are
required information and a clear understanding of the more likely to fulfill them.
meeting's purpose.
• This leads to more focused, efficient, and productive 4. Reference and Record-Keeping: Minutes serve as a
discussions. reference document for future meetings and discussions.
• Notice of the meeting helps create a structured and • They can help participants recall decisions made,
productive meeting environment, while also actions to be taken, and the rationale behind those
showing respect for participants' time and decisions.
commitments. • Minutes also provide a historical context for
• Whether for business, governmental, or ongoing projects or issues.
organizational purposes, a well-prepared notice is a
fundamental component of any successful meeting. 5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: In many organizations
and industries, maintaining accurate minutes is a legal
requirement.
Minutes of the Meeting
• It may be necessary for compliance with corporate
• Minutes of the Meeting (MoM), also known as
governance, legal standards, or regulatory
meeting minutes or meeting notes, are a formal
guidelines.
written record of the proceedings and discussions
• Failing to keep proper records could lead to legal or
that take place during a meeting.
compliance issues.
• These documents are typically created during
business meetings, board meetings, committee
6. Decision-Making Support: When minutes are well-
meetings, or other formal gatherings.
organized and comprehensive, they can aid decision-makers
in future meetings by providing insights into past discussions
Minutes of the Meeting serve several important purposes:
and decisions.
• This historical perspective can be valuable when
1. Documentation: Minutes provide an accurate and
evaluating the effectiveness of previous actions or
complete record of what was discussed, decided, and
when making new decisions.
agreed upon during the meeting.
• They document key points, actions, and any
7. Transparency: Transparent and well-documented
relevant details.
meetings foster trust and transparency within an
• This documentation is essential for legal and
organization.
accountability purposes, as it helps establish a
• When minutes are made accessible to all relevant
historical record of decisions and actions taken
stakeholders, it demonstrates that decision-making
during the meeting.
processes are fair, open, and accountable.
• To create effective minutes of the meeting, it's
2. Communication: Minutes serve as a means of
important to assign a responsible person to take
communication to those who were present at the meeting
notes during the meeting, use a structured format,
and to those who were unable to attend.
include key points, decisions, action items, and
deadlines, and distribute the minutes to • This can include speeches, presentations, and
participants promptly after the meeting. lectures delivered at conferences, seminars, or
• Accurate and well-organized minutes contribute to other public events.
the overall efficiency and effectiveness of an • Public Relations (PR): PR professionals work to
organization's meetings and decision-making manage and maintain a positive public image for
processes. organizations or individuals.
• They use various communication strategies to build
LESSON 14: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION relationships with the public, address concerns, and
promote a favorable perception.
(PUBLIC SPEAKING)
Government Communication:
• Communication is the backbone of our society.
• It allows us to form connections, influence
• Governments use public communication to inform
decisions, and motivate change.
citizens about policies, initiatives, and important
• Without communication skills, the ability to
developments.
progress in the working world and in life, itself,
• This includes official announcements, press
would be nearly impossible.
conferences, and public service campaigns.
• Public communication refers to the exchange of
information and messages between individuals or
Online Forums and Communities:
groups in the public domain.
• Internet forums, discussion boards, and online
• This type of communication occurs through various
communities provide platforms for people to share
channels and platforms, including mass media,
information and engage in discussions on a wide
social media, public speaking, and other forms of
range of topics.
dissemination that reach a wide audience.
Public Speaking
What is the importance of public communication?
• According to Merriam-Webster, public speaking is
• Public communication is essential for sharing news,
“the act or process of making speeches in public,” or
information, ideas, opinions, and perspectives with
“the art of effective oral communication with
the general public.
others.”
• Public speaking is the act of delivering a speech or
Key aspects of public communication
presentation to an audience.
• It is a valuable skill that can be beneficial in various
• Mass Media: Traditional media outlets such as
aspects of life, including professional, academic,
newspapers, television, radio, and magazines play a
and personal settings.
crucial role in disseminating information to a broad
audience. • Public speaking is a valuable skill that can enhance
your communication abilities, boost your
• These channels are often used by governments,
confidence, and help you convey your ideas
organizations, and individuals to communicate
effectively to an audience.
important messages.
• Social Media: With the rise of digital technology,
History of public speaking
social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, and LinkedIn have become powerful
• There's a good chance that there's been public
tools for public communication.
speech, in one form or another, as long as there've
• These platforms enable instant sharing of
been people.
information and facilitate interactions between
• But most public speaking experts involved with
individuals and organizations.
public speaking in business communication, trace
• Public Speaking: Public figures, leaders, and experts
the origins of modern public speaking back to
often engage in public speaking to convey their
ancient Greece and Rome.
messages directly to an audience.
• Of course, those societies didn't have slideshows to • In public speaking, When you face your fears and
help with public speech. start overcoming them, your confidence skyrockets,
• But they did have a need for speaking in public. not just in Public Speaking, but in life too.
• As a result, they developed public speaking • Glossophobia or speech anxiety, is the most
methods that are still studied today. common fear people have across the globe.
• The ancient Greeks used public speech primarily to • Throughout primary school, it is easy to be the
praise or persuade others. student who sits in the back of the classroom and
• At one point, all Greek citizens had the right to avoids raising his or her hand to dodge such
suggest or oppose laws during their assemblies. situations.
• This resulted in a need for skilled public speakers. • But in the working world, public speaking is a vital
• Speaking in public became a desirable skill and was skill to have and to hone.
taught. • It effects simple, everyday interactions between
• Public speaking in the time of the Greeks was called coworkers, bosses and employees, marketing
rhetoric. (the art of effective or persuasive speaking professionals and clients, etc., and it can have an
or writing) enormous impact on your career path and your
• Later, when Rome came to power, speaking in public level of success in your industry.
was used during the Roman senate sessions.
• The Romans adopted the public speaking rhetoric How important is public communication as a student?
methods of the Greeks.
• In fact, most public speaking teachers of the time • It allows us to form connections, influence
were Greek. decisions, and motivate change.
• The Latin style of public speaking was popular in the • Without communication skills, the ability to
U.S and Europe until the mid-20th century. progress in the working world and in life, itself,
would be nearly impossible.
After World War II • Public speaking is one of the most important and
most dreaded forms of communication.
• A less formal and more conversational speaking • While some students take to it naturally, others tend
style of speaking became popular. to be more fearful of standing and talking in front of
• Also, electronic tools became available to enhance a crowd.
public presentations. • Not only does public speaking give your confidence
• Towards the end of the 20th century, those a boost, but it also helps you become a better
electronic tools migrated to the computer. communicator and leader.
• They evolved into the computer software tools. • Students also can give presentations in their classes,
• PowerPoint, is one of those tools that we know and at work, or in other professional settings.
use today. • To feel confident when speaking publicly, students
• If you ask most people, they'll probably say they need to practice and overcome their fears.
don't like public speech.
• They may even admit to being afraid of it since fear Why is Public Speaking Important for
of public speaking is a very common fear. Students?
• Or they may just be shy or introverted. • It is a test of an individual's knowledge and expertise
• For those reasons, many people avoid speaking in in certain fields.
public if they can. • It also helps to develop an individual's
communication skills and confidence.
Why is public speaking important? • This is a very basic thing and one needs to practice
a lot to improve the oratorical skills.
• This is an important skill because it allows speakers
to form connections with their audience, which may 3 reasons why public speaking is important.
help them influence or motivate an audience's
decisions or actions. 1. To Win Over the Crowd
• An important skill to have in business and especially • Public speaking, also called oration or oratory, is the
in the public relations arena is the skill of persuasion process of communicating information to a live
or the ability to win over the crowd. audience.
• Inside and outside the workplace, the power of • The type of information communicated is
persuasion can carry you far and it all starts by deliberately structured to inform, persuade, and
honing those public speaking skills. entertain.
• Mastering public speaking results in an increase in
confidence and with that, a cool and collected
presence in front of an audience.
• Of course it is imperative to be knowledgeable
about the subject you are presenting, but beyond
that, when making a persuasive speech of any kind,
including a sales pitch to a client, you need to be
prepared to answer the opposition, and to speak
with poise.

2. To Motivate People Lesson on Public Speaking


• A great public speaker attains the power to motivate
his or her audience to do something, stop doing 1. Understanding the Audience:
something, change a behavior, or reach objectives. • Know Your Audience: Understand the
• But to carry an idea forward, you must be able to demographics, interests, and knowledge level of
excite and enliven your peers, employees, your audience.
coworkers, customers. • Tailor your message to resonate with them.
• Public speakers are leaders who are able to inspire
their audience to work harder to achieve their goals. 2. Structuring Your Speech:
• As a public speaker, your role is to influence your
listeners and create an environment where Introduction:
everyone walks out ready to roll. • Start with a compelling hook to grab attention.
• You are not merely giving a speech in the attempt to • Clearly state the purpose of your speech.
get your audience to take a certain action; speakers
are part of the action and can convey their passion Body:
and drive. It is not enough to simply know about the • Main Points: Organize your content into 2-3 main
issues at hand but to make your audience share your points.
passion. • Supporting Details: Provide evidence, examples,
and anecdotes to support your main points.
3. To Inform • Transitions: Use smooth transitions between points
• The ability to inform is one of the most important to maintain the flow.
aspects of public speaking.
• From presenting research papers and PowerPoint Conclusion:
presentations in school to presenting ideas and • Recap the main points.
pitches to your boss or client, informative public • End with a strong and memorable statement.
speaking is a vital component of a successful career • Encourage the audience to take a specific action or
across all work fields. think about something.
• Once you have their attention, a good informative
speech sharing your knowledge of a subject with an 3. Effective Verbal Communication:
audience, enhances their understanding and makes • Be clear and concise in your language. Avoid jargon
them remember your words long after you’ve unless your audience is familiar with it.
finished. • Vary your tone and pitch to keep the audience
engaged.
• Speak at a moderate pace, allowing your audience • The ceremonial communications consist of
to absorb the information. speeches that mark special occasions like
graduations, weddings, birthday parties, and many
4. Non-Verbal Communication: more. An emotional connection with a personal
• Maintain eye contact, use gestures naturally, and touch will be present here.
stand confidently.
• Express emotions through your face 2. Demonstrative
• Demonstrative Communications require an option
5. Managing Nervousness: to speak concisely and clearly about actions.
• Thoroughly prepare and practice your speech. • Behind demonstrative communication, the idea lies
• Practice deep breathing to calm nerves. that the audience should leave learning about how
• Imagine yourself succeeding to boost confidence. to accomplish something.
• Science Demonstrations are perfect examples of
6. Engaging the Audience: Demonstrative Communications.
• Include questions, polls, or anecdotes to involve the
audience. 3. Informative
• Use appropriate humor to connect with your • With informative communication, the speaker tries
audience. to disclose an idea to the public.
• Use visuals sparingly to enhance understanding. • College lectures include informative speeches like
industry conferences and some officials conveying
7. Handling Questions: important information.
• Fully understand the question before responding. • Media, TV, Radio can also be considered under
• Answer questions directly and avoid unnecessary informative communication.
details.
• If you don’t know the answer, admit it and offer to 4. Persuasive
follow up. • Persuasive communication requires a practicing
voice that convinces the public from a perspective.
8. Rehearsal: • For example, when politicians need votes for
• Rehearse your speech multiple times. elections, they choose this kind of Public
• Seek feedback from peers or mentors for Communication to win the group’s confidence with
improvement. an appeal.

9. Adapting to the Setting: 5. Semiotics and Signs


• Familiarize yourself with the room and adjust your • Public Communication can also come in the form of
speaking style accordingly. signs and semiotics in any dimension like Traffic
• Test any audio-visual equipment in advance. signs, signs at airports, and many more.
• This type of communication uses graphics to convey
10. Continuous Improvement: some information to the public.
• Evaluate your performance and identify areas for
improvement. New Technology for Public Communications
• Continuously seek feedback to refine your skills. • New technology has opened so many paths for
• Remember, public speaking is a skill that improves speakers to speak globally at a point in time with so
with practice. many people
• The more you speak in public, the more comfortable • it has created a broad audience base.
and effective you will become. • In this 21st century, public communication can be
physical and virtual.
Types of Public Communications • Be it Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, andsuch social
media platforms help a person speak with ease.
1. Ceremonial • Video conferencing has become part and parcel of
speakers to reach a wider group of people.
• Though physical appearance cannot be felt, it’s an message is received positively by people from
easy way to convey messages sitting at any part of different cultural backgrounds.
the globe.
• In this Covid situation, technology is helping public Persuasion and Influence:
communication a lot to prosper. • The right language can be persuasive.
• By choosing words carefully and considering the
emotional impact, you can influence your
LESSON 15: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
audience's opinions, attitudes, and behaviors.
(CONTINUATION)
Emotional Connection:
• Perform a speech using appropriate language • Appropriate language can create an emotional
registers, tone, facial expressions and gestures connection with your audience.
through video recording. • Whether you want to inspire, motivate, or evoke
• The importance of appropriate language in speech empathy, using language that resonates
presentation cannot be overstated. emotionally enhances the impact of your message.
• It is a fundamental aspect of effective
communication that contributes to clarity, Adaptation to Context:
engagement, credibility, cultural sensitivity, • Different situations and contexts call for different
persuasion, emotional connection, and overall types of language.
success in conveying your message to the audience. • Whether you are giving a formal presentation,
speaking in a casual setting, or addressing a specific
The importance of using appropriate audience, adapting your language to fit the context
language is essential.

Clarity and Understanding: Avoidance of Misinterpretation:


• Appropriate language ensures that your audience • Inappropriate language can lead to
can easily understand your message. misinterpretation or misunderstanding.
• Using clear and concise language helps to convey • Using the right words helps to convey your intended
your ideas without causing confusion. meaning and reduces the risk of your message being
misconstrued.
Audience Engagement:
• Tailoring your language to your audience helps to Respect for the Audience:
engage them more effectively. • Using appropriate language is a sign of respect for
• Consider the level of familiarity your audience has your audience.
with the topic and adjust your language accordingly • It shows that you have considered their perspective
to maintain their interest. and are mindful of their needs and preferences.
Enhanced Communication Skills:
Credibility and Professionalism:
• The use of appropriate language contributes to your • Mastering the art of appropriate language improves
credibility as a speaker. your overall communication skills.
• Professional and well-chosen words demonstrate • It allows you to express yourself more effectively
your expertise and knowledge on the subject, and fosters better communication with your
earning the trust of your audience. audience.

Cultural Sensitivity:
• In a diverse world, being mindful of cultural
sensitivities is crucial.
• Using appropriate language helps avoid
unintentional offense and ensures that your

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