The Learning Hub Audience Writing Handout Series Rhetorical Concepts

When doing any kind of writing, it is important to think about who the piece of writing is directed toward (or, who may come across your writing in the future!). In order to help understand your audience better, break down their traits and think about how knowing that trait may influence your writing. One trait alone might not be enough to make informed decisions about your writing—you will need to look at your audience from a number of perspectives so that you can write more convincingly.

Several perspectives are outlined below. They are in no significant order, and each is as important as the next. Use them to develop your audience “profile” to strengthen your approach in your writing.

Age Location Culture

When addressing a specific age Depending on the location of your Each audience has their own group, it is important to keep in audience, regional dialect, belief unique culture, perspectives, and mind how age may play a role in systems, and different regions of the writing practices. Considering and how receptive they are to your country may shift. For instance, respecting the cultural and message. Word choices, audiences in an urban vs. rural writing traditions of your explanations, and even topics will setting will have very different audience will help your message need to cater to what that age concerns and priorities that need to come across more clearly. be addressed. The location of the group is able to reasonably understand and are mature enough audience may also influence to handle. For example, a writer whether the text is appearing online will likely have different or delivered in person. Perspective explanations for drug safety Taking a look at the perspective depending on whether they are of your audience—no matter addressing elementary or high The Audience’s Expectations how much you may disagree with school students. them—is a critical step in crafting Often, we’re asked about the your writing. Think about what Experience writer’s purpose in composing an ideas, beliefs, and biases your argument. However, it is also particular audience is bringing to An audience’s life experiences important to think about why the the table—if you cannot greatly influence how they respond audience would listen. understand their perspective, to messages. Their education, life Understanding the audience’s then they will not be as receptive events, history, roles, jobs, and expectations and why audiences to what you are trying to say. interests influence how they hear may be interested in listening to the your message. message will help you better address their needs.

Intended vs. Unintended Audience

The intended audience of your writing is the group of people that you are specifically writing for. The unintended audience are readers, who you were not intending to directly address, that may come across your writing. Keep in mind scenarios where your writing (especially on the internet) may be seen outside of your intended audience and may be harmful in the long run. When writing, think about the lowest common denominator between your intended and unintended audiences.

Last Edited: 7/15/2016 [email protected] | (217) 206-6503 By: AA BRK 460 | www.uis.edu/thelearninghub #thehub Example Prompt

Below is an example for how messages may shift depending on the audience. We have included the writing prompt for a class assignment, the three different audience members, and three different calls to action depending on who is being written to. Notice how the calls to action change based on the different characteristics of the audience.

Prompt

Pokemon Go is a widely popular alternate reality game which allows players to capture Pokemon monsters using an app on their phone. The game has “Pokestops” that allow players to gather items and “gyms” that allow trainers to battle monsters to earn rewards and points. To find Pokemon, pokestops, and gyms, players must visit the locations in person. Although Pokemon Go is encouraging many young people to get outside and exercise, Pokemon Go is also presenting many safety concerns. There are already recorded instances of car accidents, theft, and break ins into popular landmarks to capture or battle at a gym. For these reasons, you as a writer are seeking to create a town ordinance to limit Pokemon Go’s use in public places. To do this, you must gather signatures. Create a short pitch to get your audience’s signature on the petition. Assume you are talking with these people as they pass you on the street and that you are on friendly terms with everyone. Audience Profiles

Luke Gigi Sookie

A forty-five-year-old man who Is a spunky, spoiled 14-year-old. Works as a chef at an inn that is owns his own diner in the center of She comes from an affluent growing and thriving. She is town. He has very formal, neighborhood and is an active married and has three children. traditional values and does not Pokemon Go player. She is very The oldest is 12 years old. She is allow cell phones in his diner. popular but also has a hard time warm, giving, and enthusiastic Although he used to participate in seeing how something she enjoys about her work and kids. She is town events, he has since grown could be harmful. When she sees very prone to injury and worries less social and annoyed by the you with the clipboard, she knows about her kids and husband. She constant festivities. He does not exactly why you’re approaching quit playing after twisting her own a cell phone advanced enough her and is currently playing the ankle running after an Eevee in the to play. game. game.

Pitches Tailored to the Audience

Pitch to Luke Pitch to Gigi Pitch to Sookie

Hello Luke. I know you’re busy, so Hey, Gigi. How’s your game going? Hi Sookie. Are your kids still playing I’ll keep this short. I heard your I think you know why I’m here, the Pokemon Go app? I have a diner is being bombarded with and I wanted to reassure you that petition encouraging the mayor to people trying to use their cell the kinds of restrictions I’m restrict Pokemon Go’s usage in phones to play that new Pokemon proposing on Pokemon Go public spaces so that kids aren’t game in the middle of the night. I wouldn’t negatively impact your wandering around late at night have a petition that will gameplay. Since your curfew is at capturing Pokemon and to make encourage the mayor to restrict 8 and you are good at minding sure they’re staying safe while its usage in public places like your your surroundings, the restrictions playing. You’re not the first person diner to ensure your privacy. wouldn’t harm you-- it would just who was injured while playing the Would you be interested in make it safer for other players. game, and the restrictions are signing and showing your Could you sign this to show your designed to help kids put away the support? support for your Pokemon Go phone when doing things like community? driving. Would you mind signing the petition to show your support?

Last Edited: 7/15/2016 [email protected] | (217) 206-6503 By: AA BRK 460 | www.uis.edu/thelearninghub #thehub