Um. Do I know you, Audience?

One commonly overemphasized writing-tip is the importance of knowing your audience. You need to know who your potential readers are and what they want to hear and how they want to hear it and yada yada blah blah blada. 

Of course, in order to do this, you must go door to door and interview each of your potential audience members. Get to know them, maybe invite them out for a mocha-chino or something. Then, and only then, can you truly become aware of the words your audience desires to hear.

If you don't have time to interview all of the people of the earth, here are some more practical tips for trying to understand the audience.

1. Read the work of others and pay attention to what readers are saying about it: When you write, you should try to aim for the level of quality achieved by established writers. For example, if you want to be a sports journalist, you should be reading articles of well-known sports journalists. Take note of what readers are saying about their work by reading the comments below the articles. Bob Roberts might be a plumber, but he can still pick up on the fact that ESPN writer-guy didn't bother to check his sources before he posted the latest scoop on Equestrian Vaulting.

2. You are part of your audience: Consider your own judgement. If you are a reader (as emphasized in the first point), you should trust that you can perceive what quality writing looks like and what captivates readers. If you don't find your own writing to be at least somewhat compelling, then it is not likely anyone else will.

3. Establish a connection with your audience: You might know your audience, but you need to let them know you know them. Trying referencing a specific fact or making a joke that you know many potential readers would relate to and appreciate. Establishing this personal connection will provide a bridge for readers to cross over into the land of newer and fresher ideas (which is the primary purpose of writing, right?).

Remember: Get to know your audience. Use this knowledge to "build the bridge." Then, finally, you can take them on a spiritual journey to the promise land of your words.