I’m convinced the reason so many people dislike writing is because they haven’t discovered a simple method for getting their thoughts across. Instead of looking at writing as a block of words that will hopefully get your passion and point across, see writing as something that can be as methodically laid out as any other plan. As an undergraduate student majoring in English Literature I learned a plethora of methods to write a paper, depending on it’s purpose. But the best method I learned wasn’t until I took a workshop as a manager at Fed Ex. This workshop highlighted the most effective method to getting your point across and ultimately getting what you want. The method is called MADE: Message, Action, Detail, Evidence and it’s easy to learn and implement.

M: MESSAGE- This is the portion of your paper/email/memo where you concisely describe the main point of your writing. For example: “I am writing to inform you that an adjustment is required for account ABC due to the billing department incorrectly adding surcharges to one of their services.”

A: ACTION- Nothing is more frustrating to an executive or any problem solver than not understanding what involvement is required on his/her part. Be very clear about what you want your audience member to do. For example: “The deadline for adjusting accounts is by the end of this quarter 11/30/09. Please make the necessary adjustments before this date and inform me via email when this has happened.”

D: DETAIL- This is the time you provide greater detail. Too many times people start with this, but your reader will glaze over this portion just to get to the point of your write up if you are not clear. If your points are clear in the M and A section, the reader will take greater time to read this portion. For example, here you can discuss how disappointed the customer is, how many times this has happened, etc....

E: EVIDENCE- In some cases, this portion can be dropped completed. It will depend on what you are writing. Here is where you state additional statistics, mention attachments, or anything tangible to make your case or point. For example: “Please find a copy of customer ABC’s incorrect billing statement and the letter they wrote expressing their disappointment.”

After you learn this simply method, you’ll never be afraid to write a memo or any other persuasive paper again!