Writing: Knowing your audience and purpose

“Your audience and writing purpose will help you determine your focus.”

Do you realize there are millions of subjects a person can use to write about? The possibilities are endless. In addition to the many topics one can choose from, there are also many different ways for the writer to present their ideas. A person can write about a subject in the form of an essay, blog, text message, etc. However, when writing it is imperative that the writer know their audience and purpose in order to communicate effectively.

Audience

When writers are determining their audience they must consider “Who (age, sex, education, economic status...), what level of information they have about the subject, and the context in which [people] will be reading a piece of writing” (Colorado State University, 2011). If a writer does not take the time to research and learn their audience, they are likely to fail at getting their message across. For example, if a writer wanted to create a children’s book, they might need to use simple words. If the writer instead chose to use a difficult vocabulary and then went to discuss a complex subject matter the writer would most likely fail at knowing their audience.

Purpose

Once a writer has determined their audience, they can then move forward to answer the question of “[Why they are writing and what they hope to accomplish in their writing]. In order to communicate successfully to your audience, understanding your purpose for writing will make you a better writer” (Colorado State University, 2011). The writer should not only know their purpose (persuasion, stating the facts, storytelling, etc.), but they must also make certain that their purpose is portrayed in their writing.

Writing can be difficult, but when a writer takes the time to know their audience and purpose for writing they are well on their way to creating a successful piece.

References:

Colorado State University. (2011). Determining your audience type. Writing at Colorado State University. Retrieved February 20, 2011 from http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/processes/audmod/com2g3.cfm
Colorado State University. (2011). How audience and purpose affect focus. Writing at Colorado State University. Retrieved February 20, 2011 from http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/processes/audmod/com2g3.cfm
Colorado State University. (2011). Writing guide: Purpose. Writing at Colorado State University. Retrieved February 20, 2011 from http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/processes/audmod/com2g3.cfm