Effective communicators frame positive or neutral messages in terms of audience concerns, hopes, interests, and preferences. One way of doing this is to revise for “you” view, which helps to emphasize the reader over the writer.
You View that Uses the Second Person Pronoun
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If you need a quick response, please submit your purchase order requests on Tuesday. |
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You will receive the asset valuation report on Monday at 8 a.m.—I haven’t been feeling well, but will work through the numbers over the weekend to ensure they are accurate. |
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Thank you for the beautiful and warm sweater! You have a gift for finding thoughtful and useful presents. |
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Our sales doubled since last month, making us one step closer to achieving our quarterly goal. |
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In order to process your reimbursements more quickly, we will be implementing more efficient expense reporting software starting September 1. |
You View that Avoids the Second Person Pronoun
Sometimes writing with the reader’s point of view in mind means not using “you.” For example, when pointing out a mistake, avoid taking an accusatory tone.
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Please fix the error in the table on page 109 of Coca Cola’s 2023 10K. or We need to fix the error in the table on page 109 of Coca Cola’s 2023 10K. |
Using “we” can also be an effective way to show your reader that you’re aligned and highlight shared values, concerns, goals, or vision.
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We all need to complete our cyber security training to ensure that we don’t have any costly breaches. |
Content on this page was created by the Business Communication team at the Wisconsin School of Business.