Writing Directives
Printed Page 447-448
Writing Directives
For more about understanding your audience’s goals, see Ch. 8.
In a directive, you explain a policy or a procedure you want your readers to follow. Even though you have the authority to require your readers to follow the policy, you want to explain why the policy is desirable or at least necessary. As discussed in Chapter 8, you are most persuasive when you present clear, compelling evidence (in the form of commonsense arguments, numerical data, and examples); when you consider opposing arguments effectively; and when you present yourself as cooperative, moderate, fair-minded, and modest. If appropriate, include arguments that appeal to your readers’ broader goals of security, recognition, personal and professional growth, and connectedness. Figure 17.1 is an example of a directive.
The writer, the owner of a convenience store, begins with a clear explanation of the problem the directive addresses. Presenting the reasons for the new policy shows respect for the readers and therefore makes the directive more persuasive.
The writer uses a polite but official tone because the new policy is a policy, not a request. Notice that the directive specifies a penalty for not adhering to the policy and directs readers to their supervisors if they have questions.
