Know Your Audience

"No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world." -John Keating

Words are powerful! The power of language, writing, and good communication can change the world! A well-written article, speech, or business proposal can influence the audience’s behaviors or thoughts. When writing, it is important to know who your audience is. A writer should ask himself “Who am I writing this for?” Identifying the groups of people or individuals you are trying to reach will determine the type of writing used. If your target audience is a group of high schoolers and you’re writing for the school yearbook, the tone of the article may be less formal and casual. However, writing for a group of professionals or potential clients would require a more formal tone. If you know who your audience is (both directly and indirectly), you can style your writing to reach the intended group more effectively.

Once the target audience has been determined, the writer can decide if visuals, data, or statistics are appropriate within the article. The level of detail in the writing should be adjusted to meet the needs of the audience. A children’s book, for instance, won’t require as much detail. It may, however, need more visuals. If the writing is a business proposal, there should be specific wording according to the interests of the client and will most likely include charts or data.

Understanding the audience you are writing for can inspire, create change, and influence them. When we write effectively for our intended audience, we create a connection with the reader. Ultimately, your readers should be able to understand the purpose of your writing.