Improving the quality and style of your writing using a writing strategy
Learn how the writing strategy RAFT will enable you to write critically
Using RAFT as a writing strategy for online communication
RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) is a writing strategy developed by Santa et al. (2004) to help students understand their role as a writer and to communicate clearly, appropriately and with purpose. RAFT can be a useful guide when writing online.
Here is an explanation of RAFT which shows how you can use it:
When you are writing it is useful to think about:
- your role as a writer in each situation
- who your audience is
- the best format for you to use
- what you want to say
If you consider these things before you start writing, it will help you to ensure that you communicate in a clear and appropriate way. Using a strategy like this can help you communicate your intended message so that your voice is heard and others can respond.
Before you start to write you should consider the following:
Role
- What is my role as a writer in this situation?
- What is my intended purpose?
- What is my job here?
- What am I trying to do? (and likewise, what do I want to avoid?)
Audience
- Who will read what I am writing, who is ‘listening’ to what I am saying here?
- Is this a ‘private’ message, is it open to everyone?
- Should my writing be formal or informal?
Format
- What is the best (or most appropriate) way to communicate what I want to say?
- What medium should I use?
- How quickly do I need a response?
Topic
- What do I want to discuss?
- What is the subject matter?
- What do I want to say?
- What do I want to know?