Audience Analysis: Rogerian Letter

A. Describe your persona or role as the author of the letter:

The role I am playing as the author of the letter is as Mr. Smith, the patient of Dr. Jones, who is
unsatisfied with the care he received from the doctor.

B. Your audience (your reader) is:

The audience of the letter from Mr. Smith is Dr. Jones

C. You want your audience to:

The purpose of the letter is to help Dr. Jones to understand the consequences of bad communication with
his patients and to improve his communication skills.

1. How would your audience describe itself?

- Doctor
- Professional
- Strong worth ethic
- Intelligent
- Caring

2. What does your audience value?

- Work ethic
- Patient care
- Professionalism
- Staying on schedule

3. What does this audience fear and/or risk losing?

Dr. Jones fears providing incorrect patient care because he wants to be a good doctor.

4. Describe your audiences attitude to the subject of discussion.

Dr. Jones believes he is a good doctor who took the proper steps to alleviate Mr. Smiths pain. While
he is a good doctor, Dr. Jones is apprehensive to believe there was more he couldve done for Mr.
Smith. He does not see a problem with the way he communicated with the patient and is not open to
the discussion.

5. Why might your audience be opposed to your position/proposal or be reluctant to see things
from your point of view? Can you explain how he/she/they might feel threatened, on some
fundamental level, by your position/proposal?

Dr. Jones may be reluctant to see things from my point of view because he may not want to admit his
mistakes or take responsibility for his poor communication skills. He may be opposed to the idea
that his communication has a great impact on the patient and the outcome of the appointment. I think
that Dr. Jones could also feel threatened that the letter is the beginning of a malpractice suit.
However, after he reads the letter he will understand Mr. Smiths intent.

Used with permission from Dr. Ann Martin