What Does Your Audience Really Want to Know?

By Lois Tuffin

One of the hardest things to determine as a writer is when you’ve said what you want to say in a way that will be heard and clearly understood. You have so much to say but may not know what your audience really wants to pick up from the conversation.

That’s where a translator – AKA a professional writer or editor – comes in.

By being one step removed from your brain, a skilled editor will serve as an intermediary between you and the people you want to reach. Not only will she or he know what questions still linger, but they will also know which words to use to hit the right notes. You want to be clear, but not overwhelming. Welcoming and warm.

Who is your audience?

Many clients are surprised when you ask, “Who will read this?” The typical response is, “Everyone. Why would I want to leave anyone out?”

However, there is always a type of person you have in mind, whether you have considered it or not:

• male or female;

• a certain life experience;

• a level of education;

• someone in your region or far beyond;

• people within a certain age range.

Each generation has its own way of communicating so you want to adapt your message to land on the right ears – or eyes – with aplomb. Some people just “get it.” Some of them learn with practice.

Ask the right questions to get on-point answers

If you want to focus on running your business, writing your book, or building your website, leave the wordsmithing to the person who can finetune your message to alight the way you intended.

All you need to get started is an open conversation. The right questions will get you to share insights you may not have realized you have. Then you will be off to the races, so to speak, to take on your larger goal.

So, let’s talk.