Audience Analysis

1. Audience Analysis

2. Types of Arguments One-sided—presents only the writer’s position on the issue without responding to the opposition Multi-sided—presents the writer’s position, but also summarizes and responds to possible objections and alternative views. Dialogic—has a much stronger component of inquiry where the writer presents himself as uncertain of his opinion. The writer’s purpose is to seek common ground and propose a solution acceptable to both sides.

3. More on Arguments One-sided and multi-sided arguments are often adversarial in nature because the author sees the alternative views as flawed or wrong and supports his own claim with a strong persuasive intent.

4. Definition Audience—the intended or potential reader of your text/essay. A writer must adapt his writing to meet the needs, interests, and background of the readers/listeners

5. Things to consider….. Background knowledge Experience Training Needs and interests

6. Determine Your Audience’s Resistance to Your Views Look for resistance in your audience and the underlying cause of that resistance.

7. Supportive Audience One Sided Argument Purpose is to add a new or different point of view Used to stir the passions of supporters

8. Neutral or Undecided Audience If your audience is neutral, then they will distrust a one-sided argument because they tend to caricature other views Do not oversimplify or distort opposing arguments

9. Resistant Audience Reduce the level of resistance by inviting dialogue. Delayed-thesis argument—wait until the end to reveal your thesis

10. Questions to Consider when Defining your Audience What is the size of your audience? What personal and professional traits do you have in common with your audience? Will your audience expect to be entertained as well as informed? How much knowledge or expertise does your audience already possess? What preconceptions or biases will the audience hold regarding your subject?

11. More questions…. Will your audience have a favorable, unfavorable, or neutral attitude toward your subject? How much background information will your audience need to follow your line of reasoning? What key objections will your audience likely raise?

12. Refuting the Opposition After summarizing the oppositions views, you can either refute them (show how they are flawed). Attempt to convince that the argument is logically flawed Inadequately supported Based on erroneous assumptions