Think Again: Judgment or Insight?

Dear World – Step 4

In this final activity, consider how your audience will respond.

When you address readers or listeners directly, you engage them. But if a writer sounds too accusatory (how could you!), arrogant (I know more than you, dumb fool), or narcissistic (woe is me!), your audience may also feel judged.

In writing an open letter, there’s a key difference between insightful analysis and simply being judgmental. While we all like to think of ourselves as rational, most of us go on the defense when somebody else challenges our world view.

Take those end-of-year notes often directed at friends and family, which constitute a form of public address. The people on the receiving end will likely have a range of responses: appreciation at catching up on family news, enjoyment of in-jokes, irritation at what’s so obviously been left out, disbelief – and so on. Those letters can be annoying for lots of reasons, but keep those potential responses in mind when addressing anything to the world. That’s your audience, and they may not all like you as much as you think or want them to.

Be sure to include your reflections and the revision in your Process Notebook.

Suggested Time for Prompts: 15 minutes

Revision: 20 minutes or more

Read your letter draft aloud, then reflect on how it might challenge your audience. Respond to at least one of the prompts below and revise your letter.

Q. Am I finished with the lesson now?

Evaluate your writing goals.

When you’ve completed “Think Again,” you’re done with the four main steps. Bravo! Spend more time on the optional activities, if you wish, but you’re almost there.

The only thing left to do is to your self-evaluation. Ask yourself about the progress made on your goals. Once you’ve responded, you’re finished with the lesson.