This chapter is about developing an effective style. Your readers will pick up on the voice you use in your communications. The voice you project can either help or hinder you in persuading your readers. I was especially interested in the section on constructing sentences. I appreciate the examples in each section that show an original and a revised version of a sentence. This is very helpful when writing my own communications. I like the unique way of adding emphasis to a sentence by placing the key information at the end of the sentence. This chapter gives us many ways to construct sentences to enhance our persuasiveness and usability in our writing. I really liked this chapter.
Chapter 19
This chapter is about managing client and service-learning projects. The chapter begins by describing an overall project management strategy. This strategy employs 7 guidelines.
- 1. Determine exactly what your client wants and why
- 2. Develop your own assessment of the situation
- 3. Create a project management plan
- 4. Submit a written proposal to your client and ask for a written agreement
- 5. Communicate with your client often - especially at all major decisions
- 6. Advocate and educate, but defer to your client
- 7. Hand off the project in a helpful way
The guideline I found most interesting was number 6. In my work history I have had opportunity to work with a couple of technical writers. Each of them employed this strategy quite effectively. In fact I came to trust their insight into writing reader centered communications. They were good at being direct and at the same time respecting my wishes when it came to the final publication.
The other guideline that is really important is creating a project management plan. This is something I personally must work on. I usually tend to plow straight into my project without a written plan. A written plan is a must especially with tight deadlines. Also, your client will appreciate your attention to their deadline.
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