Understanding your audience

Some published rhetorical analyses are written for ready-made audiences already inclined to agree with the authors. Riled up by an offensive editorial or a political campaign, people these days may even seek out and enjoy mean-spirited, over-the-top criticism, especially on the Web. But the rhetorical and critical analyses you write for class should be relatively restrained because you can’t predict how your readers might feel about the arguments you are critiquing. So assume that you are writing for a diverse and thoughtful audience, full of readers who prefer reflective analysis to clever put-downs. You don’t have to be dull or passionless. Just avoid the easy slide into rudeness. (respect your readers)