The first thing a writer needs to be able to do is realize that his or her writing is part of “a continuous communication process.” (Faigley) Once they realize this, they will realize that it is even more important to carefully analyze their audience. According to the social perspective, a writer’s basic language, as well as content, will change depending on the writer’s audience. A writer needs to be able to analyze his/her audience correctly, and once analyzed, to be able to adapt his/her writing to fit the audience. For example, a scientist writing for a group of scientists will use language that the normal individual will have trouble understanding, but a group of teenagers may use slang language that is difficult for a group of scientists to understand. It is also important to analyze the culture and background of one’s audience. These aspects of writing are what make writing a social activity. Even though writers are not speaking verbally they are speaking to someone/people.
Another important ability a writer needs is the ability to use and incorporate technology in their writing. Faigley asserts that there is no distinction between the importance of the text and the importance of the technology used to create the text. This technological use includes charts, graphs, illustrations, etc. that are generated by a computer or some other form of technology to help illustrate points in the text.