What is the difference between Circular and Memo?

The memo is taken as a shortened word for memorandum. The content or subject of its content is usually limited. Memos are considered to be more exclusive in nature. They serve as a means of reminder towards an action that should be taken immediately. You can also use a memo to pass on a proposal or an idea.

On the other hand, when we are talking about a circular, it usually contains various topics. Over time, it has been noticed that circular covers general subject matter. Back in the case of a memo, it is not widely distributed or made available. In companies or institutions, it can, sometimes, only be passed on to the involved individual or group.

This is unlike circulars, which are usually distributed widely to the whole populace of a particular group of people. It usually serves as a form of general announcement. Circulars are also used in advertising stuffs sometimes.

Circular and Memo are often regarded as the same thing, but they are different from each other most especially in the field of business communication.

A memo is a short term for memorandum. A memo has content or subject that is somehow limited. Memos are mainly created to remind somebody about something that warrants action. It is not widely distributed, a memo can be distributed within an institution or company.

In the business world, a memo can serve as a form of order or message from the higher-ups. A memo can also be handwritten or typed and are made electronically through email.

A circular cover general subject matter and often contain several topics. A circular is widely distributed to a wider audience or group of people because most times it serves as general announcements. A circular is mostly used for advertising purposes since it addresses the public.

Circulars and memos are both used in the business world. Between the two, circulars have more content than memos do. A circular can address a wide array of topics. Along with that, they are normally distributed to a much larger group of people than memos are.

When it comes to memos, they are mainly used for internal messages. They often come down for the President or the CEO to a certain group of employees or to all employees. Another key difference is the purpose of the message. Circulars are used for advertising, while memos are are for informational purposes to employees.

Memos and circulars are both fixtures of the business world. A memo displays somewhat limited content. Often, they are used as sort of a concise to-do list. In other words, they inspire action to do something. Someone can also pass a proposal or idea by issuing a memo. In a corporate environment, a memo can serve as a form or message from the top of the ladder. A circular, on the other hand, usually addresses several topics.

Circulars also cover general subject affairs. A circular possesses a broader distribution to a larger reader contingent because it serves more like a general announcement. Circulars are typically used for advertising purposes so that an agency, company, or firm can issue a formal public statement. Today, most messages are conveyed electronically through email and the use of computers.