Significance of Audience in the Design and Reception of Texts

why is audience important in texts?

audience influences the language, structure and presentation of a text

writers adapt their choices to communicate effectively with their intended readers or listeners

audience shapes almost every feature of a text

how does audience influence the design of a text?

writers consider:

• age

• knowledge

• interests

• values

• expectations

they adapt:

• vocabulary

• tone

• structure

• layout

• level of detail

texts are designed to meet the needs and expectations of their audience

what is the reception of a text?

the way readers or listeners interpret and respond to a text

reception is influenced by:

• background knowledge

• experiences

• beliefs

• culture

• context

different audiences may interpret the same text differently

how do audience and purpose work together?

the intended audience influences how a writer achieves their purpose

examples:

• persuade

• inform

• entertain

• advise

effective texts match their language choices to both audience and purpose

how can audience be analysed?

consider:

• intended audience

• evidence for this

• language choices

• tone

• structure

• likely audience response

• contribution to purpose

successful communication depends on how well a text is designed for its audience