Writing Strategies for Four Audiences

Here are tips from the UW "Introduction to Technical Communication" course on writing for audience.

General reader. The public and other non-experts. Read for interest and if not captivated by your writing, won't read you.

Manager. Busy person interested in the bottom line. May have little expertise in your subject.

Expert. Knows a lot about your subject, but may not be familiar with issues and vocabulary in your niche.

Implementer. Puts your project into practice. Needs step-by-step instructions.

Your particular audience might have specific prejudices, interests, blind spots, and style that will also influence your writing approach. See Situational Analysis Checklist.