Who’s Your Audience?

To help focus your writing, it’s helpful to clearly identify your audience. A good way to do this is to develop a reader profile.

The style with which you write should be based on who your readers are. Writing for an academic reader can allow a much higher level of word usage than if you were writing a column for a newspaper. Most newspapers articles are written at a 6th grade reading level. And if you consider the internet, depending upon the website, the level could even be lower.

Jot down such items as your imaginary reader’s

• Name or nickname (make one up)
• Gender, age
• Occupation
• Education level, background, experience, technical knowledge
• Personality, character, values
• Likes & dislikes, hobbies, interests
• Family information

Then, when you write, write to this ideal person. You’ll find it easier to write, your writing will be more targeted and specific, you can more easily address their needs and wants, and you’ll have more fun writing.

Keep this written profile visible or within easy reach. If you get stuck (writer’s block), re-read the profile. Visualize your reader. “Talk” to that person. Even though lots of people, hopefully, will read your work, remember on one person at a time read it. Focus you writing on that person.

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