Chapter 3

This chapter sets the stage for developing effective writing skills as a professional writer. It provides a lot of information writers must take into account when writing which is described in detail under the 10 guidelines on defining your communication objectives. Things we must consider to be a successful writer is to understand the reader in terms of their attitudes, personalities, culture, experience, knowledge, title/position, preference, etc. Chapter 3 points out that in order to be effective and persuasive, you must understand how your readers will react to your message and how you want them to react. Understanding their emotions when reading your message will enable you to eliminate negative views/reactions and create more positive aspects in your communication that will help you persuade your readers to agree with your message.

In my opinion, this chapter has a lot of information to digest and I see why individuals can spend years studying the art of writing to be successful. In reflecting on past writing experiences, I sometimes found myself writing from my perspectives on how I wanted to relay information without regard to the reader's perspective on how they will react. This completely goes against the principle of developing a "You-Attitude". I'm not saying that I wasn't successful, but now I know the effective way to communicate using specific principles to guide me. Although things may seem important to me might not be as important to others unless I can convey my message effectively by persuading my readers to feel the importance of my message. One interesting point mentioned in the reading is "identifying the information your readers want from your communication." You must imagine what your readers want to hear in your message. What if your readers don't even know what they expect to hear? An example would be convincing your neighborhood to support local firefighter fundraising events. I can see the benefits of identifying information readers want to hear. Giving readers an understanding of the hazards volunteer firefighters face to protect neighborhoods from fire disaster and encouraging funds for equipment and advance training will enable the public to see the benefits of their support. This guideline enables readers who are completely unfamiliar with your subject to read detailed information that could possibly persuade them to act in your favor.