Using the questions in Figure 4.3, write a brief analysis of the audience for each of the following communication tasks. What kind of reaction should you expect from the primary reader and any secondary readers?

a. 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.

b. As a new graduate, you are preparing a cover message to accompany your résumé for a job that you saw listed on a company website. You are confident that your qualifications match the job description.

c. You are about to send an e-mail to your regional sales manager describing your visit to a new customer who is demanding special discounts.

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FIGURE 4.3 Asking the Right Questions to Profile Your Audience Primary Audience Who is my primary reader or listener? What are my personal and professional relationships with this person? What position does this person hold in the organization? How much does this person know about the subject? 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? 88 Secondary Audience Who might see or hear this message in addition to the primary audience? How do these people differ from the primary audience? Do I need to include more background information? How must I reshape my message to make it understandable and acceptable to others to whom it might be forwarded?