Ch. 2 Reading Response

Chapter two of the books extensively covers planning and outlining messages. The chapter begins talking about the importance of writing and the major role it plays in professionalism. There are four major phases of writing: content, organization, writing, and design. In this specific chapter, content and organization are the main topics of focus along with how to effectively set up messages in order to get one's message across.

There are three main components that one must follow to create an effective and well-structured message. First, one must establish what their purpose is in writing a message. Next, they need to decide what their content will be and how to effectively organize their ideas. The last component in creating an effective message deciding how one will present their idea in the most effective way to achieve their goal. The topic that I want to speak more in depth about is the aspect of connecting to one's audience. Connection plays into every, single part of planning and outlining messages. 

In deciding a purpose in writing, one needs to make sure that their message will inform, persuade, and build a relationship with their audience. To do this, it is of the utmost importance for one to come to understand their audience as they decide on their purpose of writing. Knowing the audience that will be receiving the message helps to create connections and through connections, trust will build and an audience will be more susceptible to accepting the writer's proposal or message. In deciding on content, one needs to understand what details are important to include depending on the audience they are speaking to. The last part of planning and outlining messages, deciding on an effective presentation, is heavily weighted on a knowledge and understanding of one's audience. If the writer understands who they are speaking to and how they will be receive information, they will effectively be able to choose a presentation format, because that presentation format will depend on the receivers of the message.

Communication, in business and in everyday life, is all about making connections with others. The better and more genuine the connection is, the more satisfied both parties will be in getting what they want. Working in sales, I have learned this principle first-hand. People buy from whom they trust. When people feel like there is an established feeling of trust and camaraderie, they are more willing to buy. In a friendship, when connections are made between two people, trust builds and the relationship becomes stronger. In communicating in business, the principle is the same. When people feel that the person they are receiving a message from genuinely cares and knows who they are and what they are about, the are more likely to be open to the information. People need to feel appreciated, they need to feel that they are understood. If those principles are absent in any kind of communication or connection, the interaction will fail. All in all, effective writing comes through careful consideration and connection of one's audience.