Formal Research Proposal Reports and Technical Communication

Technical writing is not just about being able to write with technical reasoning. Sometimes as a technical writer you must be able to interact with colleagues, teammates, or even classmates. Being able to communicate with others is a big part of technical writing.



Group Communication
While working with others in class I was more of the, stand back and let things happen type. For others they may have been more assertive during the project and had more of a leadership role. I know after learning more about technical communication and practicing my skills that I need to be in a more assertive role when I am in a group just so I feel like I am apart and not just taking orders from others. With others they may learn that they are too assertive and should sit back and actually listen to other peoples views instead of being headstrong towards theirs.

Effective Communication
Like I said before, technical communication is more than just being a good writer. I believe that learning about technical writing is a great attribute for those of you who may want to go farther in a career. Being great at technical writing will help because of the ability to be assertive enough to give an opinion, but also to be able to listen to other peoples opinions as well.

Prezi

Review of Media Software

Technical communication could never happen if you do not have someone there to listen or see what it is you may be talking about. With presentations it gives both you, as the presenter, and the audience an easy and well flowing way of presenting information.

When you think of presentations or power points you think of Microsoft. With Microsoft everyone has seen everything they have to offer in a power point setting so it may actually lull you audience asleep. Plain and simple Microsoft is just old and has been overused throughout its time. With that being said, do not panic, there are many more programs that can be used to create such a presentation.

My favorite to use is Prezi. One thing you should be weary of with Prezi is that they try to get you to sign up for the program that costs money and make you use your credit card. Prezi actually has a free setup to where you do not have to pay a single thing and it works just the same as the one that cost money.

http://www.gradhacker.org/2012/08/29/prezi-a-dynamic-presentation-or-nauseating-experience/

With prezi I love the way you can set up how you transition over from one slide to another. It makes it a fun and enjoyable presentation to present and to watch.

One problem I had with prezi, which was not a big problem, was the creating new bubbles and being able to put text into the bubbles. I am not a very tech savvy guy, so this posed an issue for me.


Overall, Prezi gave me an amazing experience in using their program and I would recommend it to anyone who has to create a presentation for anything.

Tips for Resume's and Job Interviews

Marketing Yourself

Technical communication could be, possibly the most under rated thing when it comes to the way of life and how you need to use it. Here I will give you a bit of information on what I think you may need to know when it comes to technical communication in applying for jobs.

There are many things that you should take into consideration when applying for a job. Many details should be put into, not only the resume itself, but also the way to approach a job interview. There are many things that certain people may think are more important than what I will pass on to you.

Picture from CRBM

My Top Tips for a Resume

1. Always submit digital copies as PDFs. (unless told otherwise)
2. Always use normal fonts so that the interviewer can read it. (Calibri, Times New Roman, Arial)
3. Try to list things instead of creating sentences or paragraphs.
4. Back up the qualities you give in your resume.
5. Try to use the right keywords to get their attention.
6. Include the intentions on where you are heading in the companies aspect.
7. Avoid all negativity.
8. Sell yourself in a way others wouldn't.
9. Always include all of the truth.
10. Limit the white space.
11. Always have 2 to 3 people look over it to proofread.

My Top Tips for Job Interviews

1. Wake up early and be well rested.
2. Eat breakfast to help calm some nerves.
3. Be well dressed or at least dressed for the occasion.
4. Start off with knowing yourself and why you are there.
5. Have a smile on your face to make it seem like you are happy/excited to be there.
6. Have a firm handshake, but not too firm.
7. Know what you will say when certain questions are asked.
8. Make sure to know the background of the company and be able to elaborate.
9. Try to stay calm and no fidgeting.
10. Have questions for them that you have. (not about money)
11. Close strong and thank them for their consideration and time.