Practice: Choose a Conversation

Take the topic you selected, and listen in on a few of the conversations taking place about it. You might discuss this topic with other people, conduct an observation, or read a few sources that address your topic. Identify the three most promising conversations you’ve found. To choose among the conversations, ask the following questions about each one:

  1. Will joining this conversation help me accomplish my purpose?
  2. Do my readers need to be exposed to this conversation?
  3. Do my readers want to be exposed to this conversation?
  4. How will my readers’ backgrounds affect their reactions to this conversation?