12.2 Begin with the audience

Before selecting visuals or drafting prose, ask:

• Who will receive the communication?
• What do they already know about the problem?
• What technical language can they use comfortably?
• What decision or action falls within their authority?
• Which evidence will they consider credible?
• What misunderstanding is most likely?
• How much time and attention will they have?

The same analysis may require several forms. A technical reviewer may need validation details and residual diagnostics. An operations manager may need expected error in staffing units. An executive may need the central risk, decision options, and consequences. Simplifying for an audience should reduce unnecessary complexity without changing the meaning.