3: Step 1 (Analyze Purpose and Audience)

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US Air Force
US Department of Defense

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In Chapter 2, we introduced the Seven Steps for Effective Communication. Now we’re going to discuss the first of these steps in further detail. First and most importantly, you can save yourself a lot of work by asking yourself if the briefing slides, memo, e-mail or meeting is going to help get the mission done or a task accomplished. In today’s fast-paced work environment, we don’t need to create unnecessary work for anyone.

Once you’re clear on the need for communication, Step 1 requires you to get clear on your purpose and audience. As you’ll see in this chapter, these are not two distinct categories. The characteristics of your audience will influence all parts of your message and your purpose often involves influencing your audience. To begin analyzing purpose and audience you should consider several key questions.