Monday, March 29, 2010

Using Graphics and Imaging in Professional Writing



One of the nice things about professional writing courses is that most of the papers should have graphics. Some examples of graphics would be; drawings, diagrams, photographs, illustrations of all sorts, tables, pie charts.


Drawings, Diagrams and Photos:
To show objects, place, people and relationships between them better, you can use drawings, diagrams and photos. Illustrations and photographs, can run anywhere from minimal detail to maximal detail. Diagrams show a more abstract, schematic view of things and Photographs provide the most detail of all.


Tables:
Tables are those rows and columns of numbers and words, mostly numbers. They permit quick access to and relatively easy comparison of information. Great for numerical data!


Charts and Graphs-
Charts and graphs are actually just another way of presenting the same data that is presented in tables — although a more dramatic and interesting one.



General Guidelines in using graphics:
  • Use graphics whenever they would normally be necessary, don't be lazy!
  • Always discuss graphics in nearby text preceding the graphic. Don't just throw a graphic out there unexplained.
  • Make sure your graphics are appropriate to your audience, subject matter, and purpose.
  • Intersperse graphics and text on the same page. Don't put graphics on pages by themselves.
  • Indicate the source of any graphic you have borrowed

Profesional Writing Confrences

Here is the link to follow.

http://www.toondoo.com/View.toon?param=1589438

Every time something is written, it is intended for someone to read it. In order for the reader to understand what the writer is writing, the writer must first analyze the reader. Analyzing the reader will help the writer see how the reader feels and write so that the reader has a better understanding of the text. Here are some tips on how to analyze your reader:

· Understand the reader’s values and beliefs
You have to make sure that you don’t write with words or phrases that would offend the reader.

· Language use
You should always make sure you write with words that your reader understands without trouble.

· Reader’s interest
A writer should always analyze the reader’s interests so that it can be easier to write about things that connect to the reader.

· What does the reader want
When writing, one should be aware of what the reader wants to read.

Analyzing the reader is very important when writing so that whatever is written does not seem confusing to the reader and also to keep the reader connected to the text.

Uses of Document Collaboration

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Writing Correctly in the Business World

Writing accurately is a topic that is usually brushed on at some point in high school and college, but many people usually overlook the importance of it in the real world. Going into a business career myself, I have learned the value of proper grammar, word choice, punctuation, and format. There are several ways that one can prepare for professional writing in addition to related courses.

First, it is important to always spell check any work if possible. This includes any e-mails, homework assignments, papers, etc. When using spell check, rather than simply accepting mistakes and moving on, I suggest looking at what the mistakes actually are. By understanding what is wrong and why it is wrong, you can avoid making the same mistakes in the future, and especially when spell check is not available.

It is also important to look at the format of what you are writing. Whether or not to use indentations, as well as how formal or informal the document is, are two very key factors in any document I am constructing. Whether is is an e-mail to a co-worker through an intranet or a memo to an entire staff, makes a big difference in how you want to construct the document. Take the time to consider these factors before rushing a document that may be criticized at best.

Some more worthwhile information on the subject can be found in the following YouTube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdK2E6pKQno

Friday, March 26, 2010

Cristian R.- Are you prepared for your interview?




If you are a writer and are looking for a career in writing, before you get the job, you will be scheduled for an interview. These are some tips on how to do well if you are being interviewed.
1) Prepare
~Make sure you know what the company is about; History, locations, divisions.
2) Dress Appropriately
~This is a professional career, wear a suit.
3) Communication skills
~Shake hands, make eye contact; this will help to positively connect with the person who might hire you.
4) Too much Communication
~Leave your cell phone at home. Do not bring food or drinks with you.
5) Talk too much
~Do not ramble, simply answer the question
6) Give the correct answer
~make sure you take your time and gather your thoughts before you answer the question
7) Don’t badmouth past employers
~Your last boss was an idiot?? Maybe or maybe not….But keep that to yourself
8) Follow up
~Whether you think you did well or not, follow up with a Thank you note.

Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself if you did badly and did not get the job because, we have all messed up an interview at some point and time. Simply learn from your mistakes and move on.