Workshop 06
Individual Memo

Workshop Objectives

• Understand the structure and purpose of an Individual Memo.
• Analyze and critique sample memos from a client’s perspective.
• Learn strategies for crafting concise, impactful memos tailored to policymaker needs.
• Discuss responsible use of AI tools in memo writing.
• Practice framing a memo as a story: problem, options, recommendation, and evidence.

Key Elements of a Policy Memo

• Purpose: Provide clear, actionable recommendations for your client.
• Components:
  • Recommendation: What should the client do?
  • Analysis: Why is this the best option?
  • Evidence: Support your claims with relevant data.
  • Clarity: Write so your client can use your memo to convince others.
• Length: 400–600 words (excluding tables, figures, and references).

First Activity: Memo Critique (20 minutes)

Out of the 4 memos listed on Canvas:

• Pick one between Example 3 and 4.
• In the first 5-10 minutes, read the memo.
• Remaining minutes discuss the questions in the following slide with the whole group.

You will judge which memo is the “strong”/“weak” one

Memo as a Story: Problem-Solving Framework (10 minutes)

From the examples you just read:

• Problem: What issue needs solving?
• Options: What alternatives are available?
• Recommendation: What is the best course of action?
• Evidence: Why is this recommendation effective?

Discuss the consequences of:

1. Action: What will improve or change if the recommendation is adopted?
2. Inaction: What happens if the client does nothing?

Writing Strategies: Eric Taylor’s Guide

• Know Your Audience:
  • Understand their needs, prior beliefs, and decision-making scope. Tailor your recommendations to align with their priorities.
• Write Simply:
  • Use clear, concise language; avoid jargon unless necessary. Active voice and first-person perspective make writing more direct.
• Organize Strategically:
  • Place the bottom line at the top—state your recommendation and main argument upfront. Integrate relevant background information into the narrative.
  • Use meaningful section titles to convey your argument clearly.
• Practice Brevity:
  • Include only the most essential ideas and arguments.

Writing Strategies: Eric Taylor’s Guide

• Use Visual Aids Effectively:
  • Include graphs, diagrams, and tables to simplify complex data.
• Reason, Then Communicate:
  • Every claim must have supporting evidence and reasoning. Anticipate and address the best counterarguments to your recommendation.
• Check for Robustness:
  • Explicitly state assumptions and test whether changes to those assumptions affect your recommendation.
• Final Tip:
  • Tie every point back to what your client cares about most—whether it’s cost-efficiency, political feasibility, or another priority.

AI in Memo Writing

• HGSE AI Policy: Guidelines for ethical and responsible AI use.
• Check it here!
• How can AI enhance your work while maintaining originality and analytical rigor?
  • Shall we use AI?

Final Exercise: Elevator Pitch using your PAP

• Activity:
  • Write a 1-minute pitch summarizing your memo.
  • Pair up and exchange feedback.
• Tips:
  • Start with the recommendation.
  • Explain the problem and why your solution is best.
  • Tie back to client priorities (e.g., cost, political feasibility).
  • Peter Wilcoxen Tip’s are excellent, you should use them!! Link

Takeaways

• A well-written memo is concise, focused, and actionable.
• Tailor the content to the client’s priorities and context.
• Approach the memo as a story:
  • problem, options, recommendation, and evidence.

Final Note: It was great meeting you all. I’m always around. Don’t hesitate to contact me, anytime :)