Chapter 3 Reading

It appears that taking a reader-centered approach is not as simple as following a few guidelines. As chapter 3 outlines, the writer must think in advance about the readers' tasks, goals, and characteristics. In some cases, the writer must even shape the attitudes of the readers on topics they have not yet considered. Failing to correctly define the readers' goals could result in unintended actions by the readers.

This chapter also pointed out the importance of keeping cultural differences in mind when writing because they can affect communication significantly. This is true not only when dealing with international companies but those in the United States as well. Even domestic businesses have people who belong to various subcultures. Therefore, their reactions are influenced by their cultural backgrounds.

The idea of "phantom readers" is not something I had met with before. In a professional environment, your writing may be handed down to people for whom it was not written. Writing may also be handed down to future readers, so communicating in a way that would be helpful and useful to these readers is vital.