The Reader Is the
Reason For the Writing
Bad writing is self-centered. It
puts everything into the expression of the idea, and nothing into making sure
the idea gets across.
But the purpose of a piece of
writing is the reader's understanding, not the writer's gratification. Meeting
the reader's needs should take center stage no matter what form of writing you
undertake: a report, a memo, a short story, a news story, a letter, a proposal,
instructions, an ad, or whatever.
Here are some questions you should
ponder before you write:
Who is my reader?
What do I need to tell my reader?
What does my reader already know
about this subject?
How will my reader probably respond:
bored silly? Intrigued? Receptive? Hostile?
What is likely to go wrong and how
can I avoid it? (confusion and boredom stem from writing that is too long, too
complex, unclear or irrelevant)
What do I want to accomplish with
this message?
How do I want my reader to respond?
By Susan Darst Williams • www.GoBigEd.com • Grammar Granny
011 • © 2006