Purpose, Audience, TonePurpose, Audience, ToneFrom From Workplace Workplace CommunicationsCommunications, chapter , chapter 11

English 075014 January 2009

PurposePurposeAll writing attempts to

accomplish somethingMost common purposes in

workplace:◦Inform

Communicate what you know

◦Record Document events

◦Persuade Convince your audience to act

AudienceAudienceDefined by relationship:

◦Upward To superior

◦Lateral Peer or colleague

◦Downward Party responsible to you

◦External Outside of the organization

ToneToneWriter-centered

◦“I”, “me”, “my”◦Emphasizes the writer’s needs and

interestsReader-centered

◦“you”, “your”◦Emphasizes what the writer will do

for the reader

Example #1You probably don’t

remember, but I usually take my vacation in July. This year I’m taking the last two weeks of August instead. It you do not approve this you’ll create considerable inconvenience for me and you better believe I’ll file a grievance.

As you may remember, I normally take my vacation time in July. This year I was planning on taking the last two weeks of August instead. I hope this is no inconvenience to you or the company. Please let me know if it is and hopefully you and I can work around it and find a better time for me to go on vacation.

Example #2Exercise 1.2, Workplace

Communications, page 21What is the purpose of the

memo?Who is the audience?How would you describe the tone

of the memo?Why is this tone ineffective?

ExerciseRevise this letter to achieve a

more appropriate and effective tone, given the purpose and audience.

Share your revised letter with a classmate.