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Learning to Write Goals in Reader Terms
Word the goal in this way: "After reading this document, the reader(s) will . . . ." Examples: "After reading this memo, the readers will know when the next meeting will be held." "After reading this letter, the reader will feel committed to improving her performance."
Rewrite the following goal. Word it in reader terms. You may choose to write more than one goal to replace it. Word the goal so it begins with "After reading this message, the reader will . . ."
Write your goal before comparing your answer with the examples below.
Your answer must not include the words "aware" or "inform." The goal should not be the text of the memo, as in this example: "I want you to know about the meeting Thursday." In other words, you are writing goals, not the memo.
SAMPLE ANSWERS:
"The reader will know about the meeting on Thursday."
"The reader will remember that there is a meeting on Thursday."
An action goal: "The reader will attend a meeting on Thursday." You will usually have an action goal with the memory goal. Word them as two different goals.
Rewrite this goal so it is in reader terms.
Write your goal before comparing your answer with the examples below.
SAMPLE ANSWERS:
"The readers will know how to fill out the travel form."
"The readers will remember how to fill out the travel form."
Action goal: "The readers will fill out the travel form correctly."
Rewrite this goal:
Write your goal before comparing your answer with the examples below.
SAMPLE ANSWERS:
"The consultants will know that their report forms have to be in by the 25th of the month."
"The consultants will remember that their report forms have to be in by the 25th of the month."
Action goal: "The consultants will turn in their report forms by the 25th of the month."
Memory Goals--Requiring Special Attention
For the following goals, decide whether the writers really want readers to remember and reword the goals to reflect that.
Rewrite this goal:
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Rewrite this goal:
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Rewrite this goal:
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Write your goals before comparing your answers with the examples below.
SAMPLE ANSWERS:
"The managers will know the policies about reporting employees who miss meetings."
"The managers will follow the policies about reporting employees who miss meetings."
"The night staff will know the procedure for checking outside doors to be sure they are locked."
"The night staff will check all of the outside doors each time they make their rounds."
"The sales staff will be able to explain the procedures for reporting travel expenses from memory."
"The sales staff will be able to follow the printed instructions for reporting travel expenses without errors."
Learning the Types of Goals
When you need to write an e‑mail, memo, letter, or report, think about this list of goals to determine the goals you want to have for your writing.
The goals will be for readers to
know where reference information is and how to use it
act or respond as expected
explain from memory or act using remembered information
follow the procedures or instructions
solve a problem or make a decision using the concepts
use the information but not commit it to memory
be persuaded or motivated, or feel the desired sentiments
When you begin the writing process, decide which types of goals apply to the communication. Jot them down. The goals will affect all of the decisions you make as you write.
Think about the documents you write. In the box below, write some of the objectives for documents you write. Make sure you create a goal that could begin with "When the reader finishes reading this, he or she will . . ."
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List one example of each goal.
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Submit to your instructor.
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If you have a question for the instructor, write your question below before you click on the "I have finished" button.
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