Definition:
In composing an essay, report, speech, or argument, the process of determining the values, interests, and attitudes of the intended audience. See also:
Observations:
- "The goals of clarity, propriety, and persuasiveness dictate that we adapt our arguments, as well as the language in which they are cast, to an audience. Even a well-constructed argument may fail to convince if it is not adapted to your actual audience.
"Adapting arguments to an audience means that we must know something about the audience we are addressing. The process of audience adaptation begins with an effort to construct an accurate profile of the audience members that considers such factors as their age, race, and economic status; their values and beliefs; and their attitudes toward you and your topic."
(James A. Herrick, Argumentation: Understanding and Shaping Arguments. Strata, 2007) - "You're in a new job and eager to impress. So don't let your heart sink if your first big task is to write a report. It's likely to be read by a whole raft of people--and that could include the managing director. . . .
"'A great deal of thinking should go into the report before you actually start to write anything,' says Park Sims, adviser to Industrial Society Learning and Development and a director of Park Sims Associates. . . .
"'You cannot overestimate the importance of audience analysis,' says Park. 'Are they friends or enemies, competitors or customers? All that will influence mightily what level of detail you go into and what language and style of writing you use. What do they know about the subject already? Can you use jargon?'"
(Karen Hainsworth, "Wowing Your Executive Audience." The Guardian, May 25, 2002)
