Have you ever explained something and thought you were being clear, only to realize the other person had no idea what you meant? It makes sense in your own head, but somewhere between thinking it and saying it, something gets lost. I think this is why knowing your audience matters so much. Before I write, I need to think about who is going to read it and what they need from me.
I had an experience with this when I was invited to share a talk at a stake conference meeting for leaders and then again with a group of youth. As I prepared, I had to think about how I would share my thoughts with each group. The leaders would be thinking about their callings, the people they served, and how the message applied to those responsibilities. The youth would be coming from a different place. I wanted to connect with things they were experiencing at school, with friends, and at home.
I wanted both groups to get something meaningful out of what I shared. That meant thinking about the examples I used and taking time to explain things that might be unfamiliar. An experience that makes sense to someone who has served in church leadership might not mean much to a teenager. But an example about feeling left out or trying to make a hard decision might give them something they could connect with. It made me think more about the people listening and what would help the message make sense to them.
The same thing happens in my work. There are so many decisions that go into building a home, and it is easy to forget that a client may be doing this for the first time. I might be looking at cabinets, flooring, and countertops every day, but they are trying to picture how all these separate choices will come together in their home. An email that seems simple to me could feel like a lot to someone who is already overwhelmed by the decisions.
When I write to a contractor, they may need measurements, product numbers, or installation details. When I write to a client, they may need a picture and an explanation of their options. They also need to know what I am asking them to decide. If I send a long email full of information but they get to the end and still do not know what to do next, I need to make it clearer.
I think tone matters, too. Sometimes I need to be direct because we have a deadline, but I still want to sound kind and helpful. When I write to the young women, I can be more casual. I want it to sound like me and feel like something they would actually want to read. The way I write can help someone feel comfortable asking a question or leave them unsure if they should.
I am still learning to slow down and think about these things before I hit send. What does this person already know? What needs a little more explanation? Have I made it clear what I need from them? Whether I am writing a talk or sending a work email, I want the person receiving it to understand what I mean and feel like I have considered their side of the conversation.
