Thus far, you have read about concepts of message, audience, speaker, and author. When we discuss message, it refers to what we are hoping our audience will do or believe after they have finished reading our essay. The concept of audience reminds us there may be a need to alter our vocabulary and tone to reach different readers. The notion of speaker or author reminds us to make sure we present ourselves as credible and reliable experts in our writing.

As you develop your own talents for expressing succinct messages, addressing specific audiences, and presenting yourselves as reliable experts, it can help to look at how other writers accomplish the task.

Triangle labelled with speaker, audience, and message at each point. Written underneath: rhetorical triangle.