Learning to Write, and Beyond- Consider Audience and Write with Purpose

Successful writers have learned, the old adage is true: good style is in the eye of the beholder. Writers do well to always remember their audience, which can vary. Our audience may be as broad as an open sea, or like the narrowest stream of water. 

Students and committed writers should take instruction and feedback with a grain of salt. 

Is your audience, in fact, a teacher? Then write for that audience . . . provide them what they need and you'll pass your course. This has nothing to do with the style you want to exhibit in your own writing, and learning to follow set guidelines will help you later with your personal endeavors.

The appeal of our writing to any other audience may not be as straightforward as in a classroom scenario. Under many circumstances, there will be no direction given for a writing assignment. Capacity to deliver appropriately will be assumed!

The biggest factor that works toward a successful writing project is in minding the congregation of any meeting or audience. Big or small, private or public . . . consider the qualities of the audience. Determine whether they're professional, laypersons, hobbyists, community. Also, why are you writing? Do you need to appeal to a particular crowd in order to get them to do something? Are you entertaining for for a few laughs, or do you need follow-through after the event?

Maybe you're writing for yourself, from a position of interest in organic attraction to your message. Whatever the answer, when you figure all the factors, your method becomes more clear. Above all, it's important to remember: never be discouraged from a craft you care about because of a critic or detractor along the way. Something can be learned from almost any critic, if only about them. It's quite possible that you were never writing for them! Your teacher, though . . . you're definitely writing for that critic. Do what you need to do in order to get that grade, and you might just learn something that you'll appreciate later. 

A small group presentation

When you think about it, you may be surprised at the potential critics of a project. Don't let it overwhelm you. Just do the work and be prepared for anything.

During February, we'll take a look at some solid examples of author styles that have been heavily criticized, yet have also been wildly successful in finding audience.

Meanwhile . . . who are you writing for this week?