To: Nancy Myers

From: TroiEllis Reichlin

Date: April 12th, 2022
Subject: APLED 121-Chapter 5 Summary

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CHAPTER 5
Audience Recognition

Audience Recognition

• Knowledge of Subject Matter- Recognize what your audience know about the
subject matter.
• Writing for Future Audiences- Many people will read your correspondence.
These future readers need clarity, background information and terms defined.

Defining Terms for Audiences

• Defining Terms Parenthetically- Define abbreviations in parentheses, the result

will be clarity.
• Defining Your Terms in a Sentence- If you provide a sentence definition, include
the following: Term + Type + Distinguishing characteristics.
• Using Extended Definitions of One or More Paragraphs- Also include examples,
procedures and descriptions.
• Using a Glossary- Include a glossary if you have not defined your terms
parenthetically.
• Providing Pop-Ups and Links with Definitions- Use pop-up screens for online
help.

Audience Personality Traits

Determine aspects of an audience’s personality. Meet the audience’s needs, by

recognizing the audience’s personality traits.

Biased Language—Issues of Diversity

1. Diversity is protected by the law.

2. Respecting diversity is the right thing to do.
3. Diversity is good for business.
4. A diverse workforce keeps companies competitive.
Multiculturalism

• The Global Economy- Clear and concise communication to be translated into

different languages. Many modern companies generate a lot of their sales
outside the U.S.
• Cross-cultural Workplace Communication- You will be confronted with different
cultures within your workplace.

Guidelines for Effective Multicultural Communication

• Define Acronyms and Abbreviations.

• Avoid Jargon and Idioms.
• Distinguish Between Nouns and Verbs.
• Watch for Cultural Biases/Expectations.
• Be Careful When Using Slash Marks.
• Avoid Humor and Puns.
• Realize That Translations May Take More or Less Space.
• Avoid Figurative Language.
• Be Careful with Numbers, Measurements, Dates and Times.
• Use Stylized Graphics to Represent People.

Avoiding Biased Language

• Ageist Language- Words like “elderly” can imply feebleness, avoid reference to
age.
• Biased Language About People with Disabilities- Avoid reference to a person’s
disability. If you need to refer to a physical problem, do so without negative
characterizations.
• Sexist Language- Avoid sexist language, and mindful about pronouns used.

Audience Involvement

• Personalized Tone- “People write for people.” When you write another person
will read it, so achieve a personalized, collaborative tone to involve your reader.
• Reader Benefit- Motivate your readers by giving them what they want or need.
Until you tell your readers how they’ll benefit, they may not know.

The Writing Process at Work

• Prewriting- To prewrite a letter, write an outline, saved in draft form.

• Writing- Research potential client language needs. Write a rough draft.
• Rewriting- Revised writing offers specific ways we can meet client’s needs.