Identifying Your Audience and Their Needs

In order to begin thinking about your readers start with these questions:

• Who will be most likely to read this paper?
• Does this audience agree with the points you are trying to make?
• What can you say about these individuals?
• What might some of the beliefs or ideas of this audience be?
• Does your audience hold any stereotypes or beliefs that you should consider?
• What does this audience already know about your topic?
• What specific background information will they need to understand the concept?
• What type of language would you use to gain this audience’s respect and attention?