Audience Analysis

My primary audience will be the head of orientation. He is in his 30s and very friendly and open to incorporating new ideas into his work. His primary concerns with orientation are the happiness/welfare of the students and their families. He needs to make sure the families of the new students feel comfortable and safe leaving their child here. He needs to impress and reassure them. He also is concerned with the happiness and well being of the older students who help run orientation, but this is secondary to the new students and families. He is also concerned with relationships between the new students (and their families) and the school and campus. He needs to portray the school's values truthfully. He also needs to make sure he doesn't offend or madden anyone higher up in the school's administration.
My primary audience will most likely read my letter on his own time in his office or somewhere where he can focus. I don't think he is off-the-walls busy so I am fairly confident that he will take time to read it and concentrate on it. Normal every day distractions will probably occur, but I believe he will be interested in reading the letter since orientation is his primary responsibility. I also am sure he does not want to read anything too long or boring. In my mind short, pleasant and informative will be the best way to write this letter.

Response to Dr. Leddy

Hi Dr. Leddy,


I like a lot of the points you made about keeping things simple and organized when writing to a professor. I hadn't thought about receiving emails titled "English essay" from the professor's point of view. I'm sure that professors are grateful when students tell them what section they are in and when their class meets so that they can more easily identify the student. 
I don't like that you suggest signing all of this information at the bottom under your name. This information would be more helpful in the subject line, or if it is too long then in the first sentence written out rather than just listed at the bottom. To me it is more of an aesthetic preference, but I also think it would be beneficial to have that information up front so that the professor can get some context of who you are before they read your questions/comments/concerns. 


Thanks for your advice,

First assignment

Born and raised in rural New Hampshire, Samantha has always loved being outside. Drawing from her experiences outdoors and appreciation for nature, Samantha brings you right into the wilderness in her novel. Good advice and interesting perspectives are strewn throughout this great adventure book.