Topic Selection

Transcript for Video: Topic Selection and Reader Analysis

This presentation reinforces some of the information in the Week 1 lecture and gives an example of a completed reader analysis chart.

Preparation for the week 1:

· Read the Assignment Directions

· View the Presentations

· Read the textbook

· Download and use the audience analysis template

· Choose a topic that is sustainable for the reports

Topic Selection:

Identify a problem/issue in your workplace, community, or school that is real and is solvable. The topic must require some research to solve. Sources are used in this course. Crediting and using sources is important. Keep in mind that the problem must be not be too broad or too narrow.

· Example of a topic that is too broad: Free health care for all Americans. That is not an issue that can be solved in your workplace, community or academic setting.

· Too narrow: The HR department needs a new printer.

· Examples of problems/issues that would be suitable topics:

· Daycare at work

· Change in work schedule (5 day vs. 4-day work week)

· Community issue: safety, roads, crime, library

· Problem in a school setting – remote learning issues

· Technology issues

Identify your audience. Who are you writing to?

· Once you have your problem identified; then decide who you will be writing to when you seek a solution.

· The textbook discusses Audience and Purpose in Chapter 2.

You will complete the audience analysis for week 1. There is a template to download and complete in the assignment instructions.

There are four reader types to identify.

READER TYPE	ROLE
PRIMARY READER	Decision-maker who will approve the solution to your problem CEO. Superintendent, Commander. Chair of HOA Board
SECONDARY READER	Advisory to the primary reader (has special knowledge) HR Director. CFO, IT Analyst
TERTIARY	Will be affected by the solution, but not directly involved in the decision Front line employees. community members
GATEKEEPER (usually a supervisor)	Reviews information before it goes to the primary reader.

Example of a Completed Reader Analysis Chart

In this sample chart:

· The Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Gatekeeper readers are specifically identified (CEO, CFO, Employees, Supervisor)

· The needs for each reader are identified. All readers need information; what information do they need to function in their role?

· The roles for readers are identified – what is the responsibility of each reader?

· Reader attitudes are identified. Attitudes are thoughts or feelings (emotions) regarding the problem/issue you have selected. Attitudes are expressed with adjectives: cautious, skeptical, optimistic, detail-oriented, supportive, resistant, excited.

Questions: Contact me:

Danna Teicheira, [email protected], 208-514-5896

References listing

Johnson-Sheehan, R. (2018) Technical Communication Today (6th ed.) New York, NY: Pearson Education, Inc.

Smith-Worthington, D., & Jefferson, S. (2018). Technical writing for success (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.

ISBN: 9780357169926