Audience and Writing Style Created by Kathryn Reilly

Reviewing Audience Intended Audience Actual Audience This is the ideal audience the author targets when writing the text. Actual Audience This is the audience who will actually read or listen to the text.

Audience Characteristics A writer should evaluate several characteristics regarding his or her audience and select an appropriate writing style. Education level Prior knowledge of the topic Interest level in the subject Motivation for reading/listening to the text

Adapting Writing Style Once a writer has evaluated the audience, he or she should adapt several elements in his or her writing style: Vocabulary Sentence Style Short vs. long Factual vs. descriptive Formal vs. informal tone

Writing Style Example Let’s say the topic is about Dogs. The author can vary his or her writing style to meet his audience’s needs. Audience #1: Elementary School Children Audience #2: College English Class Audience #3: Conference of Dog Breeders

Writing Style Audience #1: Elementary School Children Education level: limited Prior knowledge: limited Interest level: varied Motivation: mild to high Keeping these factors in mind, the vocabulary should revolve around basic words and the sentences should be short and factual. A more informal, friendly approach would be best.

Writing Style Audience #2: College English class Education level: moderate to high Prior knowledge: average Interest level: varied Motivation: moderate Keeping these characteristics in mind, the vocabulary should include polysyllabic words, and the sentence style should be longer with descriptive phrases. The approach should be more formal.

Writing Style Audience #3: Dog Breeders Education Level: Varied Prior Knowledge: Advanced Interest level: High Motivation: High Keeping these characteristics in mind, the vocabulary should be content-specific and the sentences should be shorter as this is a business-oriented audience. Both factual and descriptive sentences would be appropriate. The style could have a mix of formal and informal approaches.

Writing Style: Dogs For an elementary audience: Dogs are friendly animals. They make good pets. There are many different types of dogs. Did you know dogs can learn over 100 different words? For a collegiate audience: Canines exist as excellent human companions. The diversity in breeds ensures that a perfect match may be made for any individual. Dogs’ ability to execute over 100 common commands demonstrates their intelligence. For dog breeders: No pet is more beloved than the dog. Whether a Beagle, Labradoodle or Terrier, each unique dog’s characteristics make it an ideal match for its human owner. Dog lovers know just how intelligent a well-trained dog is: they can remember and act on over 100 commands.

Adapting Writing Style A writer should consciously adapt his or her writing style to meet the needs of the audience. If the text’s style is too difficult, the audience will lose interest. Likewise, if the text is too juvenile, the audience will lose interest. Knowing and evaluating the audience increases the likelihood of audience engagement and positive response.