Key takeaways
Chapter 1 Key Takeaways
- The writing process consists of three stages: pre-writing, drafting, and revision. The process is not a straight line and usually involves switching back and forth between the stages.
- Communication is the purposeful and active exchange of information between two or more people, using shared system of signs and symbols to send or receive intended meanings.
- Every message should begin with an analysis of the context, audience, and purpose (CAP analysis) and choosing of the appropriate channel. Conducting a CAP analysis before communicating will increase the effectiveness of your message.
- The first step in the CAP analysis process is reflecting on your context, which involves considering your cultural background, understanding your personal communication style, analyzing the immediate context of your message, and determining how these factors may influence the way you communicate with others.
- The second step in the CAP analysis process is analyzing and understanding your audience, which involves identifying primary and secondary audiences, anticipating the audience’s likely reaction, understanding their needs and preferences, identifying their level of expertise, and thinking through their background and any other personal characteristics that may impact how they interpret and respond to your message.
- The third step in the CAP analysis process is determining your purpose, which involves understanding why you are writing and what you hope to achieve with your message.
- Based on your CAP analysis, choose the best channel for your message by asking these questions:
- How important is the message?
- How quickly do you need a response?
- Do you need a permanent record?
- Is the information confidential?
- What is the audience’s preference?
