_ ____ l As you speak with someone, you can easily gather clues about how much he or she understands or agrees with you and adjust your conversation accordingly. 2 But when you write, you must try to anticipate the reader's reactions without such clues. 3 You also have to provide stronger evidence in writing than in conversation. 4 A friend may accept an unsupported statement such as "He's a lousy boss." 5 But in writing; the reader expects you to back up such a statement with proof.