Best rhetorical practices in risk communication for entrpreneurs, managers, and writers

Whether or not readers successfully process a text so that they can make appropriate decisions in a high risk environment depends on whether writers have considered the context in which the documents will be read and the pattern in which readers will read the messages. A problem exists when the context, especially one involving a potential or real crisis situation, may not be conducive to clarity. Writing reader-based texts becomes increasingly important as written messages migrate to electronic media. Although almost all communication today is conducted electronically, many messages, such as reports, proposals and white papers, are still often read in hard copy. Regardless of whether documents are written as traditional letters and memos or whether they are in the form of emails, text messages, or slideware (PowerPoint) scripts, the need to write reader-based documents remains the same. This paper discusses the criteria for writing reader-based texts. It also explains how context, especially in high risk situations, affects a readers' comprehension and provides documents from situations, such as the opening of the Morganza Floodway during the 2011 Mississippi flood and the water contamination problem in Newark, NJ. Finally, it provides recommendations for writing effective documents in crisis situations.