How to write effectively for your audience
AWAI (American Writers & Artists Institute) member
apolloprime.tr@gmail.com
Last updated: March 24, 2026
Do me a quick favor, raise your hand if you’ve ever taken a communications course. Come on, don’t be shy – no? fine – I’ll be the first to volunteer. Back in college 2001, my “communications instructor” explained how communication varies & impacts globally – both positively and negatively. Ethnocentrism is very common – even to where we can commit it unknowingly. This practice stems from condescending biases – even as a writer. Allowing ethnocentrism to influence “your right way of thinking” against your client(s) best interest is bad for business. But don’t panic, these 5 tips for effective communication will keep you seven steps ahead. Because knowing your audience is very critical – when adhering to their needs to have positive outcomes.
But first, let’s revisit the 4 main types of communication skills:
Verbal
Nonverbal
Written
Visual
Besides volume, tone and delivery, there are 5 additional tips a copywriter must have for success:
Listen effectively
Now, bad customer service comes in all shapes & sizes. For example, let’s just say you’re at this famous chicken restaurant. You proceed to order a “combo meal” – as well as requesting additional fries in a separate box. But unbeknownst to you, the employee denies your request – by adding the separate order of fries in the combo meal box instead.
Now frustrated & impatient, you request a refund – and go to another famous chicken restaurant across the street. Lucky you, this place has better customer service – courteous customer service that is!
What’s even more exciting, several pictures of celebrities eating & laughing here are framed throughout the facility. Likewise (when writing for a client), offering suggestions is one thing. “How you feel as to how things should be structured” is irrelevant.
Keep in mind, your client is the star & director – thus, knowing your audience by listening effectively and adhering to their needs is very critical.
Have the right approach
Having the right information to share and the best possible way to share it is key– This how to blog is a prime example. These methods are beneficial, but setbacks can occur if not used effectively. For instance, you’re writing a blog on “the top ten best safety gear for your work environment” – will you specify the pros & cons of each of item?
Or will you just ignore it & “gloss it over” – with the benefits? On the flipside, providing additional information to boost your client(s) safety & awareness is the better option. The bottom line: thorough research on a specific topic makes you a much more valuable & retainable candidate long-term.
Provide kindness
“Being kind” doesn’t mean selling propaganda. The goal is to provide the right information – and wealth of information. And just like the restaurant analogy, effective listening goes above and beyond a business transaction – by viewing it from your client’s perspective.
Be confident
If “faith without works is dead”, then writing without confidence is in the same coffin. Now, being 100% confident in one’s craft all the time is impossible. However, balanced confidence is important – because just like Christ’s followers stumbled with their faith here & there, writer’s block can play a role as well. Balanced confidence is important – Especially when presenting original ideas to a client.
Welcome honest feedback
Back in my early twenties, I was auditioning to work under a veteran sketch artist. Long story short, he told me that I was unqualified and explained why – I was very disappointed. Furthermore, I assumed that he didn’t want me to succeed. Fast-forward to revisiting that episode in my early thirties, he was right – I didn’t fully understand his advice.
I now have a deeper understanding, respect and appreciation for receiving feedback. And although I still indulge in sketch art from time to time, I’m grateful & content with my prior experiences – and success during that time in my life.
Likewise, receiving honest feedback from a well-seasoned copywriter is a good thing. Also, receiving credit on what you already know is rewarding. However, receiving only praises from family & close friends’ profits you zero ROI. Especially if they have never written a blog, article, ad or a newsletter- let alone laid a finger on a laptop. The kicker is spotting & ironing out “wrinkles” that you were previously unaware of – thus giving you a different perspective moving forward. Also, celebrating your growth is good too – so pat yourself on the back occasionally!
While there are ongoing communication improvements to be made – through blood, sweat and tears, the overall question is: what kind of impression will your audience receive from you?
Sources:
Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
Ethnocentrism In Psychology: Examples, Disadvantages, & Cultural Relativism
December 7, 2023
Genevieve Northup, MBA, SHRM-CP, HCI-SPTD
10 Communication Skills for Your Life and Career Success
December 11, 2025