You-Attitude Module Four Quiz

You-Attitude Overview

• Emphasizes the reader's perspective, enhancing empathy and persuasion.
• Respects the reader's intelligence and protects their ego.
• Focuses on what the reader wants to know, improving message relevance.

Creating You-Attitude in Sentences

• Mention the reader specifically and discuss their requests or orders.
• Avoid personal feelings unless offering congratulations, maintaining professionalism.
• In positive contexts, use 'you' more frequently; use 'we' when including the reader.
• In negative contexts, limit the use of 'you' to prevent blame or defensiveness.

Talking About the Reader

• Readers are primarily concerned with their benefits and how they are affected.
• Example: Instead of stating "We are shipping your order," say "The two dozen CorningWare sets you ordered will ship this afternoon."

Referencing the Reader’s Request

• Specify the reader's order or request directly.
• Example: Use "The desk chair you ordered" rather than a vague reference.

Language Use in Different Contexts

• Use 'you' frequently in positive communications to enhance the reader's experience.
• Example transformation: "You receive health insurance" is better than "We provide health insurance."
• Avoid discussing feelings unless congratulating the reader.

Negative Situations

• Address negative aspects with an impersonal tone to soften the message.
• Example: "Your check arrived without a signature" is preferable to "You failed to sign your check."

Addressing the Use of 'You'

• While using 'you' is important, its application should align with message context.
• In job applications, highlight how you can address the reader’s needs while using 'you' minimally.

Creating Goodwill with Content

• Ensure completeness of information and anticipate reader questions.
• Explain the significance of information that the reader may not have requested.
• Organize messages by placing the most relevant information first, enhancing reader engagement.