Writing Shmiting

Writing.....up until about two years ago I loathed having to write any kind of report for school. You see, I am your typical engineering student. I could crunch numbers for hours on end, but then when it came time to do a report I always waited for the right kind of inspiration. That inspiration of course was last second panic. Gradually this pain lessened and I have come to enjoy the writing process much more. This is likely due to gaining confidence in my writing ability through having to write often at school and work. Oh don't get me wrong, I still struggle with it and its not my favorite pastime. Hopefully after this semester is over I will have gained a greater appreciation for the written word.

Remember your readers

As I read this weeks assignment I was amazed at how easily the reading went. The author definitely follows his own advice of constantly thinking about ones readers. I see this as a great way of staying on topic. If you are constantly determining how your readers will use your information it helps ensure that you give them exactly what they need/want. In addition, you may find that it helps keep you on task and the writing goes much quicker.

Another interesting topic was how communications are shaped by social and political factors. Currently I work in an office environment where I have communications with coworkers, managers, customers etc. On almost a daily basis I see email from coworkers and managers who are often times more concerned with climbing the corporate ladder than the companies needs. At the beginning of an email communication they will use cutting remarks about someone. Then they will continue their email requesting or giving appropriate information. The problem with the initial cutting remark is that it tends to set the tone for the rest of the communication. This may cause people to believe something that is not necessarily true. Also, the cutting remark has not lasting value and is a waste of time.

I found the templates/examples for memos and proposals to be very helpful. It is my intention to become a better communicator at work without having to constantly revise my communications. Each day at work I am giving and receiving information in written form. I have had my boss ask me to revise something in a report simply to give it better clarity to my reader. Hopefully I can avoid having to revise reports and instill some confidence in my writing ability to my boss. I am definitely looking forward to this semester.