How does the journalist use written language to appeal to the target audience?

The journalist uses written languages to appeal to the target audience in a number of ways. The journalist uses particular types of descriptive language, direct quotes and specific words. The journalist takes a tone and register on the article.

The journalist has used specific words such as “gotta” and “nah”. Words like this appeal to the target audience because it makes them think of how they speak. This article is quite obviously aimed at teenagers and young adults who use this style of words. When Usher was asked “Why didn’t your mom support you getting married?” he replied “Uh… I don’t know.” Magazines which are aimed at a more mature target audience would edit out this “uh” rather than including it because it would be seen as ‘slang’ and wouldn’t suit a more mature target audience. This kind of response to questions is what most parents get from teenagers, therefore by using these specific words the target audience can relate to the language used. Not just individual words, but the responses from Usher to the journalist’s questions make the reader think ‘that’s the kind of thing I would respond with’ and by engaging the reader with the article, the journalist is more likely to maintain their focus.

The main direct quote used is “Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer that ever lived. I just want to be the greatest entertainer living”. By overlaying this on the photo the editor has assured people will read the quote. Because of the strength of the quote and how it relates to Usher’s article and ambitions, the target audience will want to read the rest of the article.

The editors of ‘vibe’ magazine have used a variety of design features on this double page spread to interest the reader and enhance the look of the article. Not only have they used a pull quote to focus on one of the main features of the article but they have also used drop cap on the introduction to the article. By using a stand first the journalist has encouraged the target audience to read on. By adding white space and guttering onto the page the editors have made it look less cluttered and more professional.

The overall tone of this double page spread and feature article almost forces Usher into replying with what the journalist wants. The interview questions suggest that Usher could not reply with a one word answer and also want to get inside Usher’s mind. The interview starts off asking about his career and slowly gets more personal. The tone is also quite patronising to Usher and the description given before the interview doesn’t necessarily portray him in the best way possible.