Know Your Audience

Deciding how to speak or to write to different groups all depends on who they are and their age range. I speak to both of my children different and then also speak to my husband another way. When speaking to my youngest, who is two, I use simple words that are easily repeated and easily understood; with my oldest, who is nine, I speak to him more complex and more like an adult.  It is easy to carry on a conversation with my oldest because if he doesn’t understand something he is able to ask questions. Communicating with my husband is just like speaking to any other friend or family member; you use slang and words that you both are comfortable of using.

 

The best way to speak or write for an academic audience is to be organized and structured; using a thesis statement is a great way to start or end your essay or paper.  Regardless on where you decide to place your thesis statement, an academic audience expects the opening sentences or paragraph to be clear in presenting your topic and in what direction you are taking them.  It’s important to not wonder off in a different direction than you stated in the beginning; an easy way to stay on track is to use the PEE Structure.  Point: the main focus of the paragraph; Evidence: backs your point and thesis statement; and Explanation: proves your point and thesis statement.  If you are able to incorporate these tips into your essay or paper, you should be able to get your audience’s attention and retain their attention.