As you prepare for a public writing situation, explore potential audiences and to analyze the relationships among issue, purpose, audience, genre, and context. Issue and Purpose: Write a few sentences about how you understand your issue at this point. What do you already know? What do you need to know? What are your goals for public writing? What do you hope to accomplish? Possible Publics: Make a list of at least 5 possible audiences you could address through public writing. Why do they (or should they) care about your issue? Can they effect the kind of change you are asking for? Narrowed Audience: Select one audience from your list above that you'd like to explore in more detail. Conduct some preliminary research and begin analyzing this possible audience. What does the audience already know about the issue? How have they been engaged with it (if at all) already? What do you think they need to know? What are their attitudes, beliefs, or values? How might you be able to find common ground with this audience? Genre: What genre would be most fitting and persuasive for your selected audience? How will the genre impact the way you communicate your message? What are the typical conventions (style, structure, tone, use of visuals, etc.) of the genre? Context for Publication: How will you "go public" with your writing to reach your intended audience? What publication venuesprint or digital, formal or informalwould be appealing to your audience and fit with your message