Table 2.5 is an example of a Needs Assessment Template to help you gather audience information for your technical communication project:
| Statement of Purpose: | Why am I creating this document or technical communication? |
| Business Need: | What is the business’s or organization’s need for this document? |
| Audience: | 1. Who is the audience? |
| 2. How large is the audience? | |
| 3. What is their expertise or familiarity with the subject matter? | |
| Situation: | 1. In what context will the audience receive the document (in the office, at home, etc.)? |
| 2. Will your audience be multitasking or distracted? | |
| 3. Is your audience likely to be resistant or receptive to your document? | |
| 4. What is the best medium for your communication (email, memo, printed letter, etc.)? | |
| Purpose: | 1. What is the document’s primary purpose (to inform, persuade, explain, etc.)? |
| 2. What results do you expect from the communication? | |
| 3. What results do the company or organization expect to get from the document? |
Additional Resources
- Purdue OWL’s Audience Analysis Resource, Purdue OWL.