Your Task. Using the questions in Figure 4.4 , write a brief analysis of the audience for each of the following communication tasks.

1. You are preparing a cover letter for a job that you saw advertised in a local newspaper. You are confident that your qualifications match the job description.

2. As an administrator at the municipal water department, you must write a letter to water users explaining that the tap water may taste and smell bad; however, it poses no threats to health.

IN DETAIL

FIGURE 4.4 Asking the Right Questions to Profile Your Audience Primary Audience Secondary Audience Who is my primary reader or listener? Who might see or hear this message in addition to the primary audience? What are my personal and professional relationships with this How do these people differ from the primary audience? person? What position does this person hold in the organization? Do I need to include more background information? How much does this person know about the subject? How must I reshape my message to make it understandable and acceptable to others to whom it might be forwarded? What do I know about this person's education, beliefs, culture, and attitudes? Should I expect a neutral, positive, or negative response to my message? president might not recognize. Analyzing the task and anticipating the audience help you adapt your message so that you can create an efficient and effective message. FIGURE 4.4 Asking the Right Questions to Profile Your Audience Primary Audience Secondary Audience Who is my primary reader or listener? Who might see or hear this message in addition to the primary audience? What are my personal and professional relationships with this How do these people differ from the primary audience? person? What position does this person hold in the organization? Do I need to include more background information? How much does this person know about the subject? How must I reshape my message to make it understandable and acceptable to others to whom it might be forwarded? What do I know about this person's education, beliefs, culture, and attitudes? Should I expect a neutral, positive, or negative response to my message? president might not recognize. Analyzing the task and anticipating the audience help you adapt your message so that you can create an efficient and effective message