Key Idea For effective written communication, know your audience, how to reach its members, and what message will motivate them most effectively.

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Three keys to delivering an effective written message:

1. Know the audience.
2. Know how to reach the audience.
3. Know what message will motivate the audience most effectively.

Guidelines for written communications

• Be concise.
• Keep the message focused.
• Share information that is true and believable.
• Avoid jargon and acronyms.
• Have a non-educator review messages.

Strategies for educators:

• Evaluate previous communications.
• Identify and locate resources.
• Allow time to craft the message.
• Consider reader diversity, including reading level.
• Focus on academic achievement.

Resources

All Your Parents - Part 2: Communicate from the National Center for Family Literacy

Readability scales

http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/fry/fry.html

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