Project 1 · Audience Analysis
Audience Analysis Studio
A practice room for the Audience Analysis report and presentation. Characterize readers, then plan how the document and visuals will meet them.
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Purpose
Characterize a specific audience for a technical document (demographics, expertise, purpose, attitudes, design preferences), then present the analysis. Draft a 5 to 7 page Audience Profile Report in APA and a 10-minute podcast or video presentation with slides or a handout.
On this page
Required reading / assignment overview
Titles and how to use them live here. Library: SAC Library · A–Z databases.
How to use this studio
- Read the Purpose above.
- Open the assignment overview dropdowns for structure and required chapters.
- Use Tools for purpose statements, outlines, source notes, and peer rehearsal.
- Keep AI at Level 2 (support, not composition).
Assignment overview
- Choose a specific audience for a hypothetical or real technical document (may feed later proposal/report work).
- Cover selection; characterization (use an Audience Profile sheet); purpose of engagement; attitudes and expectations; graphics and design; methods for learning about the audience (interview, reading, search); social media insights; cultural variables.
- Deliverables: Audience Profile Report (5 to 7 pages, APA, easy to navigate) plus a 10-minute presentation (podcast or video) with PowerPoint, Canva, or handout.
- Respect privacy and ethics when gathering audience data.
Required reading (course text)
- Textbook: Mike Markel and Stuart A. Selber, Technical Communication, 14th edition (2025), Bedford/St. Martin’s, ISBN 9781319567408 (AlamoBOOKS+ / Canvas Textbook Material).
- Primary chapter for this project: Ch. 5 Analyzing Audience and Purpose.
- Supporting chapters in the early sequence: Ch. 1 Introduction to Technical Communication; Ch. 2 Ethical and Legal Considerations; Ch. 10 Correct and Effective Sentences; Ch. 14 Corresponding in Print and Online; plus APA formatting guidance used in class.
- Course Map docs that mention Open Oregon Press chapter sequences are outdated; use Markel 14th edition chapter numbers from modules.
Practice helpers
Open Tools and pick Audience Analysis when a helper asks which project you are on.