Collaborative Presentation Update

Our group will be presenting "Definitions and Descriptions" on Tuesday, March 18th to the class. So far, our group has met durning two class periods where we have introduced ourselves and have been working on becoming familiar with the definitions and descriptions. We also discussed who will be responsible for researching the specific talking points of definitions and descriptions and what examples we will provide to the class. Furthermore, we assigned specific presentations duties such as, who will put the final presentation together, who will write and revise the references page and who will provide different document examples. This coming Thursday we will collaborate more on the organization of the presentation and what information we have found while conducting our research. I have also provided a link below that provides effective steps to working on group projects.

http://www.studygs.net/groupprojects.htm

Did you know there is a right way to burn a candle?

Actually, there is. Therefore for our second essay assignment, I will be creating a set of instructions on how to properly burn a Bath and Body Works three wick candle.

(Readings) Chapter 8: Creating Graphics

In Chapter 8 the characteristics and functions of graphics are discussed, including information about using color effectively. As we know, when writing any document one of the first and most important aspects to consider is the documents audience. While I agree with the information presented in this chapter, I think additional resources should be provided for those professionals who's audiences may have certain medical conditions. One important medical condition to consider in regards to color and graphics, is vision loss. Audiences over the age of 45 may have trouble identifying information that is not presented clearly. Therefore, appropriate use of color contrast and font should be used effectively.

Below is a link providing information for those wishing to design a document for audiences that may be living with vision loss. However, these techniques will also make any documents clearer and easier to understand.

http://lighthouse.org/accessibility/design/

Are You Having Trouble Writing a Thesis Statement?

Here is a link that may help with your writers block.

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/01/

(Readings) Chapter 7: Designing Documents and Websites

In chapter seven many design secrets and tricks of the trade are discussed when it comes to appropriate document design. One example I found to be most helpful and interesting were the four principles of document design. These concepts are taken from the book The Non-designer's Design Book written in 2008 by Robin Williams (not to be confused with the comedian).

In the book, the author Robin Williams discusses the relationship between proximity, alignment, repetition, and contrast, as well as how without these four major components a document can become virtually unreadable to its audience. Furthermore, these principles seem quite simple and easy to understand, making them appealing to any level writer.

As a reader myself, I have always found that the documents style and organization are one of the most important aspects in order to process the information being presented. Thus, I believe making the design principles concept one of the most important to understand in this chapter.

Below is a video featuring an interview conducted with Robin Williams herself, her favorite typefaces to use, and what makes them important.

Technical Writing: Audience Analysis

Here is a link to a website that may help with the analysis of your audience.
http://www.prismnet.com/~hcexres/textbook/aud.html

Technical Writing: Essay #1 Document Description

For my first assignment, I will analyze and critique a pamphlet that provides information to families on protecting loved ones from prescription drug abuse. This is a very important and prevalent issue in our society, and any document that wishes to educate it's reader about important issues such as drug abuse needs to pay close attention to readability, accessibility, accuracy and conciseness. Upon completing this assignment I will have a better understanding of how an effective educational pamphlet should appear.

For more information on helping a loved one with a substance abuse problem please contact:

The Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline 

1-800-327-5050 

www.helpline-online.com