Goal: Help professionals recognise how content changes across contexts and understand the reasons behind those changes.
The same message can be adapted in many ways depending on the audience and the context. Comparing different versions of the same content helps you understand why certain changes make sense for specific situations.
Example topic: “Fire evacuation procedure”
Below are three versions of the same message:
| Context | Example |
|---|---|
| Training session | “If there’s a fire, leave the building through the nearest exit. Follow the signs on the wall. Let’s walk the route together now.” |
| Tourist leaflet | “If you hear the fire alarm, follow the green signs to the exit. See map on the back.” |
| Workplace guide | “Fire evacuation: 1) Stop work. 2) Take the nearest safe exit. 3) Go to the meeting point in the car park. See p. 12 for the floor plan.” |
What changes between these versions?
- Length and detail: Training sessions and guides can include more steps. Leaflets need to be short and quick to read.
- Tone: Training sessions are interactive, tourist leaflets are friendly and simple, workplace guides are professional and precise.
- Format: Training uses spoken explanation and practice, leaflets use icons and maps, guides use headings and lists.
- Focus: Leaflets focus on the key action; guides include permanent reference information; training combines action with practice.
Why do these changes matter?
- They match the time available to the reader.
- They fit the reader’s purpose—urgent action, quick reference, or learning.
- They adapt to the reader’s familiarity with the topic.
- They choose the most effective delivery method for the setting.
Tip: When comparing versions, ask yourself:
- What is added or removed?
- What changes in tone or wording?
- How does the format help or limit understanding?
- Would this version still work in another context? Why or why not?
Try it
Take one topic (e.g. recycling rules). Write three versions for different contexts (training session, tourist leaflet, workplace guide). Compare them and note:
- Three things that change between versions.
- Why each change was necessary for the new context.