4. Using Expert Writing Techniques to Adapt to Your Audience

Once you have identified your purpose, profiled your audience, and selected your channel, your final prewriting task is to adapt your message to your audience.

For each of the following sentences, choose the option that makes the message more reader oriented.

a.We are pleased to offer you new health plans during open enrollment.

b.Open enrollment means we can offer you new health plans to choose from. Choose yours today!

c.You will have the opportunity to choose your new health plan during open enrollment.

d.No change necessary.

Our new plan options include long-term disability and domestic partner coverage. We offer choices to meet all your needs.

a.New plan options include long-term disability and domestic partner coverage. Choose the best coverage to serve your needs.

b.Long-term disability and domestic partner coverage are just two of the choices we have to offer.

c.No change necessary.

We know that your health is your most important asset. We want to help you protect it.

a.Your health is your most important asset. Protect it with health insurance.

b.You know that your health is your most important asset. Were here to protect it with our comprehensive health plans.

c.No change necessary.

Which of the following sentences is the most bias free?

a.Young Mr. Junipero delivers mail to our desks twice daily.

b.Mr. Junipero delivers mail to our desks twice daily.

c.That kid in the mailroom, Junipero, delivers to our desks twice daily.

Which sentences are expressed most positively? Check all that apply.

a.No receipt, no refund.

b.Refunds are available with the original receipt.

c.If you dont have your receipt, we cannot provide a refund.

d.Please provide your original receipt for a refund.

e.Your money will be refunded if you provide the original receipt.

f.You must provide your receipt if you want a refund.

Which is the most clear and precise sentence announcing the video conference?

a.Please be advised: The video conference will begin at 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. If you find yourself in need of a webcam, contact Samara Patel right away.

b.We will be holding a video conference at 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. Samara Patel can supply webcams if needed.

c.The video conference begins at 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. If you need a webcam, contact Samara Patel.

Which is the most clear and precise sentence asking for an update on the Haggarty account?

a.When youre done with the numbers, update Haggarty, okay?

b.Please update the Haggarty account after youve completed the daily tally.

c.The Haggarty account requires an update following completion of the daily tally.