Speak To Your Audience

Forget what you know and want. Everything, from the shape of your argument to the choice of vocabulary, should be governed by your audience’s receptivity.

The key principle of persuasive writing is customer service. Ask what they do and don’t know about the subject, and what they need to. Ask what they are likely to find funny. What are the shared references that will bring them on board? Where do you need to pitch your language? How much attention are they likely to be paying?