Reader: the hidden dictator of your writing

The first and foremost purpose of writing is being read

In the fourth email of our series detailing the Miirror Framework, we focus on the reader.

First, think about the Message -- which is formed by Information and Intention.
Then think about the Reader -- which requires Rapport and Order.
Then Rewrite it.

One question should guide all your professional writing: how the reader would want me to write it?

What word would they prefer, the simple words so they understand promptly or the jargon so they learn it? How long would they prefer it to be, short enough so they can read on the phone and get the essential or longer form so they can dive deep into the details? What would the reader consider a welcomed objectivity and what would they consider just rude? What the reader already knows about the subject? What the reader thinks is the most important topic?

The first thing you do before writing is to think about the message you want to communicate. You write down the list of the information you want to include and your intentions. You prepare yourself alone. It’s all about you. Once you finish this preparation, then it is all about the reader.

When you start writing it is fundamental to shift the paradigm from you to the reader. What the reader wants is all that matter.

What about having your writing style? Showing your personality through the text? Well, just ask yourself: would the reader want that?

In professional writing, the most likely answer is that the reader doesn't care about your style. It is not something in their mind while reading. So, if you included all the topics of the message and did not write in a way the reader wouldn't want, it is OK to let your style show. On the other hand, there is a lot to think about while writing and style don't have to be one.

Exercise your empathy with the reader, constantly putting yourself in their shoes, and your writing will improve without you even notice it. But the reader will!