---
name: audience-aware-communication
description: Use this skill when writing any explanation, documentation, or response that will be read by someone else. Match vocabulary, depth, and format to the audience's expertise level before writing.
category: general
---

# Audience-Aware Communication

Before writing, consider who will read this.

**Questions to ask:**
- Expert or beginner? Use jargon only if the audience knows it.
- Needs to act or just understand? Action-oriented writing uses imperative mood.
- Reading for reference or scanning? Use headers, bullets, and code blocks.

**Adaptation rules:**
- Beginners: define terms, use analogies, avoid acronyms.
- Experts: skip basics, link to references, focus on the non-obvious.
- Mixed audience: lead with the executive summary, put details in sections.

**Anti-pattern:** Writing at your own knowledge level without adjusting for the reader.
