Monday, April 26, 2010
Jordan_K..Uncle Sams Tips For Drafts
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Play the game "Never Have I Ever" with a writer or author and you will soon find out that they have never been able to put down a first draft and have it be perfect and submit it as a finished product. Multiple drafts are created before a finished masterpiece can be produced. Some questions you may want to ask yourself so that you can understand what you would like to achieve from your document as stated by our textbook are:
-What should the document accomplish?
-What should readers do when they have finished reading the document?
-What information should the document convey?
Making these lists will help you organize and be more efficient in your professional writing.
Mark K_Letters... What Are Those?
Letter may not be as common as they once were, but they are still one of the most professional mediums of written communication in the business world.This PowerPoint is just a brief introduction to what I have learned about formating business letters while taking this Professional Writing course:Formats of letters
View more presentations from guest1b411f.
Carmen O. - Another Day in Paradise
The end of the semester is finally here. Most of us, whether we are taking summer courses or not, will make more than one trip to the beach this summer. Whether it be a day at Ft. Myers Beach, a visit to the Naples Pier or a drive to the Florida Keys, let’s face it………our options are endless. We live in an absolutely beautiful part of the country and we should not take it for granted. From an environmental standpoint, we should all keep in mind that we are obligated to keep these beaches clean. Not only for us but for the various fish and marine life that call our beautiful Florida beaches home.
Although it may seem like a daunting task, cleaning a beach or public park can be accomplished in many ways. There are multiple societies and clubs within area middle and high schools that volunteer their time to collect trash and keep our beaches sparkling clean. For instance, the Keep Collier Beautiful Foundation sponsored an annual Beach Clean-Up and members from The National Junior Honor Society at Gulfview Middle School donated their time.
Where do you start? Well….now that you’ve completed a sixteen week course in Professional Writing you should consider yourself the perfect candidate to write a meaningful, persuasive letter to a Director or Public Outreach Specialist with a county recycling program, waste management district or county beautification program in the county where you live. I’m sure that you can convince them to donate their resources to make any beach or park, where you’ll spend your time relaxing, a sparkling clean paradise.
What are you waiting for?
Picture references:
“Caribbean Sunset” (Photographer, Tim Seed) Found at http://www.freedigitalphotos.net
“Valentine” (Photographer, Luigi Diamanti) Found at http://www.freedigitalphotos.net
American Towns. (2009, September 30). Retrieved April 26, 2010, from
http://www.americantowns.com/fl/naples/news/gulfview-middle-students-keep-beaches-clean-217625
Michelle M. How to Write Concisely
How to Write Concisely
The first tip is to always write down your ideas for whatever you may be writing. (Example- documents, email, essay, report, power point) You ask why? It is always better to know your ideas before you start writing that way when you do write it can be concise.
Second tip is to, start your writing with clarity.
Third tip, make sure when you’re writing you gets the point across in an understandable order. Confusion is not needed!
Tip four; make sure you’re able to stick with your ideas in simple detail.
Tip five, do not use words that are too hard to understand, use short words so your reader can understand what you’re saying.
Tip six, when your done writing please go back and edit your work it is highly important, so you can fix your errors. Editing shows professionalism.
Last TIP!!! Remember keep everything simple and short, but also be clear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5nw6-wIwmk&feature=related
http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Tips-On-How-To-Write-Concisely&id=202571
The first tip is to always write down your ideas for whatever you may be writing. (Example- documents, email, essay, report, power point) You ask why? It is always better to know your ideas before you start writing that way when you do write it can be concise.
Second tip is to, start your writing with clarity.
Third tip, make sure when you’re writing you gets the point across in an understandable order. Confusion is not needed!
Tip four; make sure you’re able to stick with your ideas in simple detail.
Tip five, do not use words that are too hard to understand, use short words so your reader can understand what you’re saying.
Tip six, when your done writing please go back and edit your work it is highly important, so you can fix your errors. Editing shows professionalism.
Last TIP!!! Remember keep everything simple and short, but also be clear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5nw6-wIwmk&feature=related
http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Tips-On-How-To-Write-Concisely&id=202571
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tiffiany R Memo Vs. E-mail: The Final Showdown
Pretty familiar with e-mail? Sure! What about Memos? I used to find the MEMO a little intimidating. It's so concise. It's so formal. It's so . . .so . . . so business-like. Then I learned that business e-mails should be all of those things too. Yikes! Well, here's a powerpoint I created that covers all the basics. This should get you started. Remember to follow the example of your company/ and boss' communication. Model your correspondence after theirs.
Memo or Email?
Memo or Email?
View more presentations from Tiffiany.
Mark K_ Professional Writing is Science Fiction
- Research: Most of this is done through the internet now, either through database or website. I look for all of my research through the FGCU database and respectable websites. Having access to everything you need in your home is a huge time-saver.
- E-mail, E-messages, and memos: Need I say more?
- Letters: Revising, rewriting and editing is easier than ever with word processors. This makes writing a letter take less time and effort than it once did. There are also less traditional letters being written. Many times preference goes to electronic ways of sending messages.
- Visuals: It's now possible to input graphs, charts, and graphics easily into reports to make them more clear.
- Portable devices: I have a Kindle which can receive documents wirelessly to view easily on the device. Many people have iPhones or other phones which can view and edit documents without needing to even go to a printer.
- Teaching Professional Writing: Well... this whole class is online. Technology lets all of us collaborate on this blog to result in an end product which would be the same if we were all in the same room.
There is in added factor also, and it involves the focus of this blog. Electronic messages are using electricity of course, but they don't require the use of physical paper. As we move to the internet, computer, or wireless device more frequently, we are saving resources which were traditionally used in this subject.
So, the question I answered in this blog shouldn't have been how technology affected professional writing, but instead how has it not affected it. Technology is everywhere now and it will only continue to grow exponentially into the future.
Picture references:
"Guest Speaker" cartoon 5 - search ID amc0601. Found at http://www.cartoonstock.com
"Robot using Computer" Dreamstime.com Found at http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_364/1234290395nlEK7i.jpg
Jordan_K... BRB 1nst@nt Me$$ag1ng 1n the Workpl@ce LOL!
Instant Messaging at work has proven to be useful and reduce interruption at the office. Instant messaging or "IMing" has a lot of good qualities and benefits compared to face to face interaction. A major benefit is the fact that it is much quicker than running around the office looking for someone and it also reduces noise and allows everyone to get their work done with minimal distractions. Another benefit to it is that you can often explain things better in words on the computer or on paper than you can vocally and this allows you to transfer your ideas through that form. IMing keeps everyone at their desk which ultimately leads to getting more work done being that the work is in the same vicinity.
However their are a few negatives as well. Instant messaging is a much quieter way to communicate, this means that it would be much easier to get distracted with conversations with fellow co-workers or even people outside of the company. Another negative is that because their is no face to face contact you do not know who is actually present at the time nor do you know who you are actually speaking too. Saying the wrong things in front of the wrong people has never been so easy. So make sure this doesn't happen to you!
All in all I would recommend that more companies use instant messaging for interoffice communication but I would also recommend that it be monitored to ensure that productivity is maximized and not diminished.
However their are a few negatives as well. Instant messaging is a much quieter way to communicate, this means that it would be much easier to get distracted with conversations with fellow co-workers or even people outside of the company. Another negative is that because their is no face to face contact you do not know who is actually present at the time nor do you know who you are actually speaking too. Saying the wrong things in front of the wrong people has never been so easy. So make sure this doesn't happen to you!
All in all I would recommend that more companies use instant messaging for interoffice communication but I would also recommend that it be monitored to ensure that productivity is maximized and not diminished.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Mark K- Make Your Professors Do Your Assignment for Once
Recommendation letters are something that most everyone will need at some point in time and there are a few ways to request for one. I personally think the best way is by writing a recommendation request letter.
Recommendation request letters are far better than a verbal request, because it is written and serves as both a reminder to the potential reference and also can be a guide to what you want them to feature in the letter.
I've included the steps needed to create a recommendation request letter in the following powerpoint:
JordanK_ Got A Problem?!
This world is just fluttered with problems and there are far to many in any situation to be addressed at news conferences, face to face meetings or board meetings. Many problems are solved through writing. Whether it be a memo, a letter, or a report there are certain things you should include to make sure that your problem is taken care of. A few of these items you should include in your writing are:
-Include the problem
-Include possible solutions
-Include directions on how to accomplish these solutions
-Include the information of those who could help
If you are looking for more in depth strategies on problem solving in writing check out this book from Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Problem-Solving-Strategies-Writing-Linda-Flower/dp/0155001701
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Mark K_Getting Ready for the "Real World"
Preparing For a Job Search
Starting immediately you want to do the following:
Gather Textual Information:
You can gather information from websites, books, newspapers, and other sources to answer any questions you have about the job you choose. You can start from a general search on websites such as Wikipedia and get more focused as you go on.
Interview Experts:
Make appointments with people in the job and talk to them about working in the field. Upsides, downsides, what a typical day is like, et cetera. Talk to as many experts as you can to get a general feel for what it would be like being in the career for the long term.
Apply for Career-Related Training or Volunteer Programs:
After studying for 3 years and learning the basics of the trade, it’s time to start searching for an internship, work-study, or volunteer program. These programs will help smooth the transition from college to career and look really good on your resume. It could be the factor needed to land that position you’ve been looking into.
Begin a Working Resume
Start up a resume to include all the names, dates, experiences and qualifications you’ve accumulated throughout your time working. This is helpful so that you won’t have to go back later on and remember all of this when the time comes.
Start the following one year before graduation:
Request Letters of Recommendations:
Develop relationships with professors early on so that it will be less awkward during your last year of classes to ask for letters of recommendation. You may want to compile a list of things you want them to mention in their letter, but chances are they have done it before and know what professionals are looking for. Keep the names and contact information of your references for future reference.
Begin Compiling a Dossier or Portfolio:
Your dossier will contain everything you need in a job search, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, achievements, et cetera. They serve the purpose of making your job searches easier.
A portfolio is for more creative professions and would include your best writing and drawings.
You’re now ready to begin your job search!
Starting about 6 months before graduation you should start looking, researching, and applying for jobs you choose to have once you finish schooling.
Carmen O. - "Reader Relevance"
You may not think that giving a speech and writing a personal statement for Graduate School are comparable tasks; however, they are similar in many ways. Not only do they both have an audience, but their origins are the same as well……they both begin with a blank sheet of paper and an idea.
Whether your “audience” is a classmate or a Graduate School Admissions Committee, you will want to present all information in an organized fashion. One of the greatest tips I follow is to ask myself “what, where, when, who, why, and how” before I begin a particular writing assignment. By doing this, I am putting myself in the reader’s shoes and answering any prospective questions that may arise.
Another way to analyze an audience (or reader) is by carefully considering the following points:
• What is the level of expertise and/or level of education that your reader will possess on the specific topic or subject (i.e. you will want to be solid on your research);
• Cultural differences (i.e. any obvious cultural difference should be in kept mind when writing);
• Attitudes (i.e. is this going to be a predominantly female or male audience?);
• Expectations (i.e. what does the audience expect or what are they looking for?); and,
• Context in which the document will be read (i.e. will the message be relayed appropriately?)
While it is impractical to know the specific likes and dislikes of each of your readers, you should know that you do have the ability to hold the reader’s attention and allow them a glimpse of your personality without being offensive if you adhere to these tips when preparing your document or presentation.
If you are serious about informing, educating, persuading or entertaining your reader, or an entire audience, then these are the tips for you.
Attached is a YouTube video prepared by Admissions Consultants.com that provides useful insight on analyzing a very important audience (or reader) - a Law School Admissions Committee.
Whether your “audience” is a classmate or a Graduate School Admissions Committee, you will want to present all information in an organized fashion. One of the greatest tips I follow is to ask myself “what, where, when, who, why, and how” before I begin a particular writing assignment. By doing this, I am putting myself in the reader’s shoes and answering any prospective questions that may arise.
Another way to analyze an audience (or reader) is by carefully considering the following points:
• What is the level of expertise and/or level of education that your reader will possess on the specific topic or subject (i.e. you will want to be solid on your research);
• Cultural differences (i.e. any obvious cultural difference should be in kept mind when writing);
• Attitudes (i.e. is this going to be a predominantly female or male audience?);
• Expectations (i.e. what does the audience expect or what are they looking for?); and,
• Context in which the document will be read (i.e. will the message be relayed appropriately?)
While it is impractical to know the specific likes and dislikes of each of your readers, you should know that you do have the ability to hold the reader’s attention and allow them a glimpse of your personality without being offensive if you adhere to these tips when preparing your document or presentation.
If you are serious about informing, educating, persuading or entertaining your reader, or an entire audience, then these are the tips for you.
Attached is a YouTube video prepared by Admissions Consultants.com that provides useful insight on analyzing a very important audience (or reader) - a Law School Admissions Committee.
Tiffiany R The Effectiveness of Simple Visuals
Ever wonder what is in breast milk that will help the environment? OK, I'm not really pretending to make that connection. I just found this video on You Tube about creating visuals to replace a text in PowerPoint presentations that just happens to use a slide about breast milk as an example. Apart from actually being interesting, (after all, I do believe in integrated and holistic learning strategies) this video hits the nail on the head.
When using visuals, keep it simple.
And I didn't embed this video as a plug for the speaker's book, "The Visual Slide Revolution". I haven't read it. But I might, because the advice offered here is easily understood and makes a lot of sense. As he mentions in the introduction, this information is relevant for all presentations. This video is in response to skepticism expressed about the relevance of creating visuals in certain circumstances. This video reveals that simple is key in replacing text, even in short or content oriented presentations.
Make sure when considering visuals that you have your audience in mind. And ask yourselves:
Does this assist audience comprehension?
Gain the right kind of attention?
Establish authority?
Communicate with a broader audience?
Or does it detract from any of those things?
We live in a world dominated by visuals. It is important to recognize how to make ours effective and worth the effort. Photographs, charts, icons, colors . . . they all communicate. Let's make sure they are saying what we want them to say.
When using visuals, keep it simple.
And I didn't embed this video as a plug for the speaker's book, "The Visual Slide Revolution". I haven't read it. But I might, because the advice offered here is easily understood and makes a lot of sense. As he mentions in the introduction, this information is relevant for all presentations. This video is in response to skepticism expressed about the relevance of creating visuals in certain circumstances. This video reveals that simple is key in replacing text, even in short or content oriented presentations.
Make sure when considering visuals that you have your audience in mind. And ask yourselves:
Does this assist audience comprehension?
Gain the right kind of attention?
Establish authority?
Communicate with a broader audience?
Or does it detract from any of those things?
We live in a world dominated by visuals. It is important to recognize how to make ours effective and worth the effort. Photographs, charts, icons, colors . . . they all communicate. Let's make sure they are saying what we want them to say.
Michelle M.Lost like Einstein? Well Here Are My Top Six Steps On How To Write An Informal Report!
Lost like Einstein? Well Here Are My Top Six Steps On How To Write An Informal Report!
Step 1: I first write an outline of what I want to address in my formal report.
· It is just like a five paragraph essay. You must include your introduction, body, and most importantly your …… CONCLUSION!!!
· Also, write down three main ideas that you have for you argument. When I do this it makes so much easier to write my report.
· Finally, remember an outline can be a quick overview about your ideas you want to write about in your essay.
Step 2: I always make sure I address the report in the top, left corner of the first page.
· I include these events as well: whom the report is going to, whom it is from, and the date and subject.
Step 3: The start of my introduction!
· The introduction, like the conclusion, in my opinion is one the most important paragraphs of the essay.
· This paragraph should include three to five sentences. Anything further is way too much, trust me!
· Make sure you answer the entire why, what, when, where and hows. This is important, because it will structure your report.
Step 4: The body section!
· In order to write the body section of my report, I use the main points from my outline.
· Next, construct a paragraph for each main point. Again, make sure this is three to five sentences long.
· Make sure the main points back up the statements in your report, because when you don’t, it proves nothing.
· Remember the issues you are addressing in your report.
Step 5: The Conclusion!!!!!!
· The conclusion is a summary about everything you have written in your report.
· Construct paragraph three to five sentences long.
· Make sure you summarize the main points that were addressed in the body.
· The final sentence should resonate to your reader and show the urgency of the issues you stated in your report.
Step 6: Finally……the last part!!!! Contact Information!
· Make sure you include contact information after the conclusion.
· Then, make a section it’s called “Recommendations”, to list other people who support your report.
· Recommendations can be co-workers or colleagues.
· Make sure to include their name, and contact information with a handwritten signature.
Jordan K. The Pre-Interview Interview
Many people go into job interviews completely lost. They do not know what they should be asking, they simply believe that they are just going to answer questions about themselves but they are dead wrong. At the end of that interview when the employer asks, "do you have any questions?", your answer should be YES!!! Hopefully when trying to environmentally sustainable you can put these tools to good use.
The best way to get information about a career is to go interview a professional! They can tell you anything you want to know as well as the questions to ask at an interview. Some questions you may want to ask them are:
- How did you become involved in this profession?
- What course work and training prepared you for your job?
- What should I do to prepare for this career?
- What do you like least/most about this job?
- What do you do in a typical day?
- What is the short- and long-term career outlook for this profession?
- Can you recommend any books, magazines, or websites about this profession?
- What type of personality traits seem to work best in this career?
After learning these questions by interviewing the professionals, you can truly understand what a specific career is about and if you fit in with crowd. You can use these tools to find out more about the world around you and use the answers to aim your career to making the world a better place.
The best way to get information about a career is to go interview a professional! They can tell you anything you want to know as well as the questions to ask at an interview. Some questions you may want to ask them are:
- How did you become involved in this profession?
- What course work and training prepared you for your job?
- What should I do to prepare for this career?
- What do you like least/most about this job?
- What do you do in a typical day?
- What is the short- and long-term career outlook for this profession?
- Can you recommend any books, magazines, or websites about this profession?
- What type of personality traits seem to work best in this career?
After learning these questions by interviewing the professionals, you can truly understand what a specific career is about and if you fit in with crowd. You can use these tools to find out more about the world around you and use the answers to aim your career to making the world a better place.
Friday, April 2, 2010
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