Writing for the Public

1
Writing for the Public

• Chapter 8, SFH

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Common Forms of Public Writing
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Learn to Spot When to Write for the Public

• Is writing the most effective response? Would
  personal contact be more effective? Consider,
  too, the type of writing that best suits the
  situation sometimes a personal letter might be
  more tactful and effective than public writing.
• Is there an audience who cares or could be
  persuaded to care about your message?
• Is the timing right? Is the legislative session
  just beginning, or nearly over? Is a major
  holiday coming up? Is public feeling aroused
  against your subject?

4
Research Your Audiences Expectations

• What genres and topics are appropriate to your
  forum?
• What are the typical length, style, and tone of
  documents published in this setting?
• What kinds of arguments and evidence do writers
  for your forum typically draw upon?
• What are the expectations for formatting and
  citing sources?

5
Seek Out Models and Advice

• Try to find samples of effective writing for your
  forum (examples of successful scholarship essays,
  for example or editorials that have been
  published in the newspaper of your choice)
• Talk to experienced writers, including
  instructors, peers, and friends.

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Risks of Public Writing

• Writing for the public entails greater potential
  for public exposure.
• Check your facts carefully to avoid embarrassing
  mistakes
• Check your language dont give inadvertent
  offense
• Check your tone do you sound whiny,
  disgruntled, obsessive, paranoid, ill-informed,
  or childish? To avoid these pitfalls, take a
  broad view of your subject, research its history,
  and represent opposing viewpoints fairly. Make
  concessions where necessary

7
Collaboration

• Public writing may require collaboration
• Be willing to learn
• Listen to the people with whom you are working
• Respect the experience of those who have worked
  in the field for a long time

8

• Be Professional