What is a reminder?
A reminder is a written document that helps one to remember things that he/she is supposed to do.
Reminders are useful to people who are likely to be occupied with many issues to an extent of forgetting or missing out on important activities.
Reminders specify the activity that one ought to remember and when (date and time.
Types of reminders:
- Informal reminder
- Formal reminder
1. Informal reminder
This type of reminder is written for one's personal use, or to friends and relatives. Informal reminders do not have a fixed format. However, they contain basic elements such as date, time, the intended activities and the names of the sender and the receiver. Note that there is no signature at the signing off of an informal reminder.
2. Formal Reminder
A formal reminder is written for official purposes. This is subject to the relationship between the writer, the person being reminded, and the subject matter of the reminder
A formal reminder has the following parts:
i. Title of the reminder: This is the first thing when writing a reminder. The title is written at the top of the page. You should use the word reminder at the title of the reminder.
ii. To This specifies the intended recipient of the reminder. The names of the recipients are included here. E.g Mr Johnson, Mrs Kamara, The chairperson, Club members, etc.
iii. Subject: The subject of the reminder specifies the intentions of the reminder. In other words, it is what the reminder intends to remind the recipients about. The subject is usually a single short line of fewer than ten words.
iv. Body: The body of the reminder contains the actual reminder. It is here that the sender of the reminder reminds the recipient(s) of the action to be taken and the time and date when this should be done. The action (or event), date(s), day(s) and time should be clearly indicated. The body of the reminder is usually one paragraph.
v. Signing off: At the signing off, the sender of the reminder appends his/her official signature, full name and the position that he/she holds.
Below is an example of an informal reminder:
Sunday, 15th May 2025
Janice,
Subject: Birthday party
This is to remind you of my upcoming birthday on 30th May 2025 at our house. Please be punctual
Carlos.
An example of a formal reminder:
UWEZO FARMERS CLUB
REMINDER
To: The chairperson
From: The Club Secretary
Date: 25th June 2024
Subject: Meeting with the club patron
Please remember that you will be having a session with the club's patron, Mr Kibe, regarding the planned visit to the Agricultural Show Ground on 2nd July 2023 at 10.00 am. Kindly be ready to air the club's grievances in advance.
Yours faithfully,
(Signature here)
Simon Cyrene
Uwezo farmers club Secretary.