3 Tips for Writing to a Global Audience

3 Tips for Writing to a Global Audience 3 Tips for Writing to a Global Audience Even though you are probably writing more than ever beforeif you were to add up instant messages, texts, emails, and social mediawriting a formal report on your research or business projects requires a different discipline. When you are writing to a weltweit audience, which is becoming more common, the task becomes even more complex.The number one rule of writing is always the same, however Know your audience and write to them.Here are three things engineers should keep in mind when they are writing to a global business or professional audience1) Focus on what your readers have in commonPeople across the globe have vastly different cultures and ways of life. If you pay too much attention to those differences, though, you may be paralyzed when you try to communicate.David Brousell is a long-time business writer and editor who helped launch a new online media brand with a global scope called Manufacturing E xecutive, manufacturing-executive.com. His international audience includes engineers across all disciplines in manufacturing and the top executives that employ them.Brousell recommends using concepts and terms that are understood all over the world. No matter where people are, they understand the language of business, he said. Talk about profit and loss, profit margin, time to market, and return on investment. If you are writing to an audience of engineers only, you can use basic concepts that are widely taught in engineering schools around the world, he added.2) Assume your audience is smart and well educatedLike it or not, we all hold preconceived notions of people in other countries. Put them aside. If someone has received a professional education in another country or is doing business internationally, that person is likely to have above-average intelligence. Even if your readers speak English with a heavy accent, you cant assume they dont understand the written language. Make s ure you write as clearly and succinctly as possible, and avoid talking down to international readers.3) Take time to refresh your writing skillsInternet and mobile communication doesnt require much formality. Most people dont expect you to spend a lot of time composing an IM, text or email the grammar and spelling standards are loose and many abbreviations are commonly understood. Even if you are writing to those same people, however, they will expect a different standard in a written report.If you dont write formal reports or memos often, dont be surprised if youve become rusty. In fact, make a plan to consult with dictionaries, online grammar sites, old writing handbooks, or your most literate friends. Ideally, create a schedule so that you can complete a draft of your report a few days before it is due. Ask someone else to read it, not only for grammar and spelling but also to make sure you have gotten across your key concepts. Especially with an international audience, it is imp ortant to take the time to make sure your communication is clear.Marie Griffin is an independent writer.People across the globe have vastly different cultures and ways of life. If you pay too much attention to those differences, though, you may be paralyzed when you try to communicate.