I must be careful that he does not take advantage of me, and try to sell me advertising that could negatively impact my business because of its inappropriate nature or overly obtrusive installation. Forecast probable audience reaction. Rebh likely has strong incentive in becoming involved in a relationship with my business.

Non-Stop Messenger Service

899 Sparks St.

Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G9

Canada.

attn: Roscoe de la Penda, HR Specialist, Non-Stop Message Service

Dear Mr. de la Penda:

As the Vice President of Human Resources at UPS, I am proud to say that I remember Kathryn Norquist as one of the most outstanding and tireless students I knew when we both met as sophomores at San Diego State University. Kathryn was one of the leading journalism majors at the competitive journalism program at San Diego State. She later earned her MBA from the University of San Diego but still pursued journalistic ventures, including writing the text for a National Geographic article on endangered orangutans. The article was the result of many grueling months spent in Borneo, suffering through arduous conditions.

Kathryn clearly has the business skills, the communication experience (both written and oral), and the sheer grit and determination to succeed as a special courier for your company. As a journalism major and a journalist, going without sleep or food to achieve a higher goal has been a way of life for my college friend and roommate. Adapting to new cultures, dealing with the stresses of travel, and having to think quickly...

. Roscoe de la Penda, HR Specialist, Non-Stop Message Service and other members of the HR staff reviewing candidates
Determine audience size and geographic distribution. An individual or department in charge of carefully screening candidates for vital and demanding positions at the company.

Determine audience composition. A male who is experienced in reading letters of recommendation and who is looking for positive 'talking points' regarding candidates' experience and character.

Gauge audience members' level of understanding. The HR staff is experienced in reading recommendation letters, and in reading 'between the lines' for thinly veiled criticism or airy praise. It must be specific. Also, HR has limited time to spend on each letter in a prospective candidate's file.

Understanding audience expectations and preferences. A clear, targeted, and specific letter that is easily read and convinces the department the candidate is emotionally equipped to handles the stresses of the job.

Forecast probable audience reaction. While HR may prefer a letter from someone who knows the candidate better and knew him or her as an employer at a later juncture of the career, the letter will be viewed overall as a positive character reference. However, the letter would seem even more 'positive' if Kathryn had worked for UPS.