Memo Overhaul Worksheet
CTE Business & Leadership Workplace Communication Lab
Memo Overhaul Worksheet
NAME:
DATE: PERIOD:
LEARNING TARGETS: 1. Distinguish internal memos from business emails • 2. Audit channel & tone choices • 3. Execute Level 3+ analytical claim
Scenario Case File: Team Lead Communication Audit Channel & Tone Review
Background: Jordan leads a student venture team preparing for an upcoming storefront pop-up at a partner shop on Liberty Avenue. Today, Jordan sent the following message to notify the internal team about upcoming duties, meeting dates, and inventory deadlines.
TO: venture-team@innovateyouth.org Sent: Today, 8:14 AM
SUBJECT: hey guys quick update lol
yo team! so basically we really need to figure out our stuff for the pop-up on liberty ave asap. someone needs to grab folding tables and promo posters whenever you can. also we gotta meet sometime this week, maybe thursday after school? idk lmk if that works for u. also don't forget to talk to the store owner if you see them around. peace out — jordan
Workplace Communication Standards Reference
Internal Memo
Official written message distributed solely inside an organization/team to convey updates, assignments, or directives with clear headings and action items.
Business Email
Formal digital correspondence sent to external parties (clients, vendors, store managers on Liberty Ave) requiring a formal salutation and sign-off.
Audience Identification
Determining whether readers are internal team members or external stakeholders before drafting to select the appropriate channel.
Professional Tone & Subject Line
Direct, respectful language free from slang/text speak, preceded by a concise subject header clearly stating the document's core purpose.
Part 1: Strategy Analysis & Written Evaluation
Score Criteria: Level 3+ Analytical Claim
Sentence Frame Assist:
“Jordan’s communication strategy is incorrect because ________. While external emails are used for ________, internal team communications like updates and action items require ________. To correct this error, Jordan should draft a(n) ________ that includes ________.”
Write your formal evaluation below. Incorporate specific scenario evidence and vocabulary terms:
Unit 2: Organizational Communication • Student Resource Page 1 of 2 • Turn over for Memo Rewrite & Defense
Drafting & Defense Lab Student: ____________________
Part 2: The Memo Rewrite & Accountable Talk Protocol
Reconstruct Jordan's casual message into an executive-level Internal Memorandum with professional headings, clear roles, and firm deadlines.
MEMORANDUM Internal Document Only
TO: Venture Team Members
FROM: Jordan, Venture Team Lead
DATE: October 22, 2026
SUBJECT:
1. Purpose & Meeting Schedule: State meeting objective, exact date (e.g., Thursday), time & location
2. Operational Role Assignments (Liberty Ave Pop-Up): Assign specific team members to folding tables & promotional posters
3. Key Deadlines & External Protocol: Note supply check-in date & designated contact person for store manager
Part 3: Accountable Talk & Peer Justification Protocol
Partner Collaboration
A Deliver Your Defense to Partner:
“I justified that Jordan’s communication was flawed because ____. The evidence from the scenario that proves this is ____.”
Partner's Verified Signature:
B Partner Counter-Perspective / Add-On:
“My partner pointed out that in addition to tone, Jordan should also adjust ____ because ____.”
Audit Checklist: Memo Format Used Internal vs. External Addressed Direct Roles & Deadlines Accountable Talk Completed
Unit 2: Organizational Communication • Student Resource Page 2 of 2 • Mastery Submission
