Discussion Questions on Rhetorical Writing Strategy

How do you determine the best rhetorical strategy to use in your own on-the-job writing?

In my own on-the-job writing, I choose the best rhetorical strategy based on the writing situation. For example, writing project change board requests to approve the implementation of a new application is a common situation. The change requests vary in topic, but follow a standard format. They might use any one of the rhetorical strategies, but they always include answers to five questions:

1. How does this application affect the business?
2. How does this create value for the customer?
3. How does this improve your work (productivity, avoid mistakes, etc.)?
4. What are the alternatives? 
5. Why is this the best solution?
   

Writing product evaluations is also a common project writing situation for me. In this situation, I use a Comparison and Contrast strategy, complete with point-by-point evaluation of the key similarities and differences between the products. This strategy is effective when simplifying complicated or detailed information.

Who are the most common audiences?

My most common audience is the IT Leadership Team. They are a group of six directors and one vice-president who oversees the priorities of the Information Technology department. All groups within IT report into one of the directors. Therefore, the IT Leadership is able to address all aspects of IT.

What do you know about them?

The IT Leadership Team is cohesive in their approach. They have four shared objectives: 1) providing reliable technology to support key business initiatives, 2) using technology to create value for the customer, 3) using technology to improve our work, and 4) making the right technology decisions. In addition, due to the current economic conditions they are resistant to spending money unless the proposal clearly addresses their objectives. Knowing this information, I write to clearly and directly address these objectives.

How can you learn more about your potential audience?

I work with each of the directors on a regular basis. Many of the projects we work on use people from teams across IT. I need regular interaction with IT Leadership to gain access to necessary resources. By listening carefully about their goals and projects, I learn more about the topics that are most important to them.

What are the most common voices you use?

Most of my writing at work is editorial opinion. When working on a business problem, I investigate, evaluate options, and propose solutions. It is not my responsibility to convince the IT Leadership Team to take one action or another. Instead, I present them with the information they need to make sound business decisions. Descriptive tone is the most effective voice for this purpose.