TWC301 Reading Notes

Reading notes from my Fall 2010 TWC301 class

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TWC301 Reading Notes by Mind Map: TWC301 Reading Notes

1. Drobin Chpt1 Communication in the workplace

1.1. Genres of Communication

1.1.1. Rhetorical

1.1.2. Audience Centered

1.1.3. Technology Oriented

1.1.4. Ethical

1.1.4.1. TWC: Ethics in Writing

1.1.5. Research Oriented

1.1.6. Visual

1.1.7. Professional

1.1.8. Design Centered

1.1.8.1. TWC: Creating styles and templates

1.1.9. Concise

1.2. Document Genres

1.2.1. Emails

1.2.2. memos

1.2.3. letters

1.2.4. resumes

1.2.5. definitions

1.2.6. descriptions

1.2.7. websites

1.2.7.1. TWC:Testing your website

1.2.8. text messages

1.2.9. instructions

1.2.10. manuals

1.2.11. proposals

1.2.12. informal reports

1.2.13. formal reports

1.2.14. presentations

1.3. PSA Problem Solving Approach

1.3.1. Plan

1.3.1.1. Define or describe the problem

1.3.1.2. Establish Goals & Purpose

1.3.1.3. Identify stakeholders

1.3.1.4. Consider the ethical choices involved

1.3.1.5. Consider document formats and delivery methods

1.3.1.6. Identify info on hand and info needed

1.3.1.7. Choose tech that will best assist you

1.3.2. Research

1.3.2.1. Determine types of info necessary

1.3.2.2. Conduct research and gather info

1.3.2.3. Organize info

1.3.2.3.1. TWC:Brainstorming

1.3.2.4. Evaluate info get more if needed

1.3.3. Draft

1.3.3.1. Confirm goals and purposes

1.3.3.2. Organize and draft document

1.3.3.2.1. TWC:Outlining

1.3.3.3. Design and arrange document

1.3.3.4. Create and integrate visuals that help communicate the info

1.3.4. Review

1.3.4.1. Test document usuability

1.3.4.2. Solicit feedback from peers/ colleagues

1.3.4.3. Revise or rewrite as needed

1.3.4.4. Edit the doc to ensure correctness

1.3.5. Distribute

1.3.5.1. Include relate docs when needed

1.3.5.2. confirm transmission format to intended audience

1.3.5.3. Transmit to audience

1.3.5.4. Followup receipt of document

1.3.5.5. access outcome of document, determine if further correspondence is required

2. Drobin Chpt 2 Rhetoric & Technical Communication

2.1. Workplace Problems

2.1.1. PerceivedProblem

2.1.2. Real Problem

2.2. Rhetorical Problems

2.2.1. Some Commanalities

2.2.1.1. exigency and purpose

2.2.1.1.1. exigency

2.2.1.1.2. Purpose

2.2.1.2. workplace writer

2.2.1.2.1. corectness

2.2.1.2.2. experience & expertise

2.2.1.2.3. goodwill

2.2.1.2.4. Identification

2.2.1.2.5. Trust

2.2.1.3. audience

2.2.1.3.1. stakeholders

2.2.1.3.2. attitudes

2.2.1.3.3. use of document

2.2.1.4. some type of document

2.2.1.4.1. how does it serve the audience

2.2.1.4.2. how will it be distributed

2.2.1.5. contextual factors and constraints

2.2.1.5.1. the context of the document should always be considered

2.2.1.5.2. Constraints

2.2.2. Thinking Rehtorically

3. DrobinChpt 3 Technical Communication and Electronic Technologies

3.1. Impact of technology

3.1.1. Impacts ...

3.1.1.1. How documents are produced

3.1.1.1.1. Word Processors

3.1.1.1.2. Presentation software

3.1.1.1.3. Graphics and imaging software

3.1.1.1.4. Web authoring software

3.1.1.1.5. Desktop Publishing software

3.1.1.1.6. Help and E-Learning software

3.1.1.1.7. Single Source Programs

3.1.1.2. disseminate document

3.1.1.2.1. The Internet

3.1.1.3. Content

3.1.2. Future of workplace writing and computer technology

3.1.2.1. wireless technology

3.1.2.1.1. enable writers to stay connected

3.1.2.2. bandwidth and connection speeds

3.1.2.2.1. allow workplace writers to develp more sophisticated interactive media documents

3.1.2.3. Integration and portability

3.1.2.3.1. phones and devices becoming more powerful and portable

3.1.2.4. prices for computers will continue to drop

3.1.2.5. transnationalism

3.2. Ethics and Electronic Communication

3.2.1. Netiquette

3.2.1.1. choose an appropriate email address

3.2.1.2. use an appropriate subject line

3.2.1.3. respect others bandwidth

3.2.1.4. Lurk before you leap

3.2.1.5. polish your writing

3.2.1.6. watch those caps

3.2.1.7. use attachments appropriatly

3.2.1.8. back it up and save it

3.2.1.9. remember when its out there it is out there

4. Dobrin Chpt 4 Ethics and the Workplace Writer

4.1. introductory points

4.1.1. Discussing ethics is difficult

4.1.2. This book cannot force you to be ethical

4.1.3. the only way to fully understand ethics is through communication with others

4.1.4. ehtics depends on individual choices within a community

4.2. What is ethics?

4.2.1. metaethics

4.2.1.1. addresses the origins of ethical ideas and asks where they came from

4.2.2. normative ethics

4.2.2.1. the branch of ethics that is concerned with classifications of right and wrong

4.2.3. Applied ethics

4.2.3.1. analyzes the contexts in which ethics is debated.. it depends on metaethics and normative ethics

4.3. 3 reasons workplace writers should study ethics

4.3.1. can help us think more clearly and sensitively

4.3.2. can enable us to articulate our views to others

4.3.3. enables us to advance in our ethical thinking

4.4. Ethical guidelines for workplace writers

4.4.1. Ethics and Laws are not the same

4.4.1.1. Liability laws

4.4.1.2. Enviromental laws

4.4.1.3. Copywrite laws

4.4.1.4. Patent law

4.4.1.5. Trade mark and service mark law

4.4.2. Be Honest

4.4.2.1. Present information clearly, concise, and coherent

4.4.2.2. identify the source of your info

4.4.2.3. Use yoru time ethically

4.4.2.4. think about the welfare of others as equal to your own

4.4.3. Respect Confidentiality

4.4.3.1. New node

4.5. Ehics are context related

4.5.1. what is the reason or puepose for writing this?

4.5.2. who is the audience? how will they be affected

4.5.3. how else aside from the audience does this affect?

4.5.4. what athority do I have to convey this information

4.5.5. what are the ramifications

4.5.6. where does the informatino fit in the larger contect

4.5.7. are there limits to what writing can and cannot convey

4.5.8. will this document lead to any enviromental affects

4.5.9. what responses is the document likely to invoke

4.6. Ethics and technology

4.6.1. email

4.6.1.1. email is never private

4.6.1.2. not all emails are true

4.6.1.3. use common sense when reading emails

4.6.2. websites

4.6.2.1. just cause it is posted on a website, doesnt make it true

4.6.3. visuals

4.6.3.1. images are easily faked , be careful

4.6.3.2. present information accurately

4.6.4. Enviromental ethics

4.6.4.1. how does our action affect the world around us

4.6.4.2. how does it affect the wuality and the length of the lives of the peopel who live in the enviroment

4.6.4.3. do other parts of our enviroment have rights and if so what are they

4.7. Avoid unethical writing

4.7.1. DOnt use deceptive or evasive language

4.7.2. dont obscure or misrepresent the issue

4.7.2.1. abstract language

4.7.2.2. jargon

4.7.2.3. emphasis or supression of information

4.7.2.4. visual rhetoric

4.7.2.5. plagerism

4.7.2.6. use of inaccurate information

5. Dobrin Chpt 5 Technical Communications in a Transnational World

5.1. Language

5.1.1. Target Language

5.1.2. Official National Languages

5.1.2.1. remember there may be many different languages spoken in a county, but 1 or 2 official languages

5.1.3. International English

5.1.3.1. not as important as it use to be

5.1.4. Text directionality

5.1.4.1. will affect layout of a document

5.1.5. Writing Style

5.2. Technology

5.2.1. Does the target country have the same technology as you?

5.2.2. Is their technology reliable?

5.2.3. MachineTranslation

5.3. Education

5.3.1. Literacy

5.3.1.1. is the target country at the same literacy level as you or are they lower?

5.3.2. Common body of knowledge

5.3.2.1. is there a common body of knowledge between you and the target country, or are there major differences?

5.3.3. Learning style

5.3.3.1. reading

5.3.3.2. lectures

5.3.3.3. mentoring

5.3.3.4. if present how is technology used to teach?

5.4. Politics & Law

5.4.1. Trade issues

5.4.1.1. import export practices

5.4.1.2. technology export restrictions

5.4.2. Legal Issues

5.4.2.1. Copyrights

5.4.2.2. trademarks

5.4.2.3. intellectual property

5.4.2.4. liability

5.4.2.5. fraud

5.4.3. Political Traditions and symbols

5.4.3.1. national symbols

5.4.3.2. national colors

5.4.3.3. holidays

5.5. Economics

5.5.1. currency basis

5.5.2. currency exchange rates

5.5.3. how are items priced

5.5.4. Perceived value

5.6. Society

5.6.1. Cultures attitude towards age

5.6.2. Business etiquette

5.6.3. Family and social interaction

5.6.3.1. Marrage

5.6.3.2. Funerals

5.6.3.3. Birth celebrations

5.7. Religion

5.7.1. Religions role in the countries government and daily affairs

5.8. Things to remember

5.8.1. Avoid Stereotypes

5.8.1.1. Avoid assumptions

5.8.1.2. Ask Questions

5.8.1.3. Collaborate with the translator

5.8.2. Enhance translation

5.8.2.1. Terminology

5.8.2.2. Clarity

5.8.2.3. Cultural and Rhetorical differences

5.8.2.4. Design

5.9. Accommodating Transnational audiences

5.9.1. Locilization

5.9.1.1. Types of...

5.9.1.1.1. Radical Locilization

5.9.1.1.2. General Locilization

5.9.1.2. Benifits

5.9.1.2.1. Improved Sales

5.9.1.2.2. Localized products overcome cultural differences

5.9.1.2.3. Helps overcome inherent resistance

5.9.1.2.4. Good approach for first approach into a global market

5.9.2. Internationalization

5.9.3. Globaization

5.9.4. When using Verbal Communication

5.9.4.1. Speak slowly and enunciate

5.9.4.2. Have face to face conversations when possible

5.9.4.3. Avoid noisy locations

5.9.4.4. Keep conversations 1 on 1

5.9.4.5. Remember phone calls can be difficult due to the lack of face to face contact

5.9.4.6. Pause often and ask if you have been understood

5.9.4.7. Use simple sentences

5.9.4.8. Use widely accepted business terms

5.9.4.9. Use a common single verb that explains an action

5.9.4.10. Avoid two word verb phrases ending with off, up or on

5.9.4.11. Be careful with verbs that have multiple meanings

5.9.4.12. Avoid colliquialisms

5.9.4.13. Avoid jargon and local expressions

5.9.4.14. Avoid idioms

5.9.4.15. Avoid words adopted from other languages.

5.9.4.16. Avoid humor based on knowledge of the language

5.9.4.17. Assume the listener does not understand everything you have said

5.9.5. Transnational Ethics

5.9.5.1. Are there universal ethics?

5.9.5.2. How do different countries or cultures address ethical issues?

5.9.5.3. Does the target country hold non native business people in a different regard than native ones?

5.9.5.4. Does the target country have different ethical traditions?

5.9.5.5. Do religious perspectives affect the countries ethical approaches?

5.9.5.6. Do business practices in the target country compare up with yours in ethics?

5.9.5.7. Does the target country have industry specific ethical expectations?

5.9.5.8. Does the target country culture have the same ethical expectations on labor issues?

5.9.5.9. Does working with the country open the door to taking advantage of cultural differences?

5.9.5.10. Are there ethical concerns from working with the target country?

5.10. Guidelines for Writing for Transnationals

5.10.1. Write clearly

5.10.1.1. Use correct punctuation

5.10.1.2. Avoid using pronouns

5.10.1.3. Avoid idiomatic language

5.10.1.4. Avoid Comparatives

5.10.1.5. Use terminology consistatly

5.10.1.6. Include Definite articles

5.10.2. Localize Writing

5.10.2.1. Recognize Alphabetic differences

5.10.2.2. Use local numbers

5.10.2.3. Be alert to time differences

5.10.2.4. Avoid references to holidays

5.10.2.5. Avoid cultural references

5.10.2.6. Avoid humor

5.10.3. Account for Visual & Auditory Perceptions

5.10.3.1. Avoid images of people and hand gestures

5.10.3.2. Reevaluate design elements and prinicples

5.10.3.3. Account for differences in Sound Interpretation

6. Dobrin Chpt 7 Organizing & Drafting Documents

6.1. Predrafting

6.1.1. Strategies

6.1.1.1. Confirm your purpose

6.1.1.1.1. What should it accomplish?

6.1.1.1.2. What should readers do after finishing the document?

6.1.1.1.3. What info should the document convey?

6.1.1.2. Analyze your Audience

6.1.1.2.1. Level of Expertise

6.1.1.2.2. Level of Education

6.1.1.2.3. Cultural DIfferences

6.1.1.2.4. Attitudes

6.1.1.2.5. Expectations

6.1.1.2.6. Context the document will be read

6.1.1.3. Gather your information

6.1.1.4. Develop Ideas about your information

6.1.1.4.1. Collaborate & discuss

6.1.1.4.2. Listing

6.1.1.4.3. Freewriting

6.1.1.4.4. Clustering

6.1.1.5. Organize your Info

6.1.1.5.1. Key Factors

6.1.1.5.2. Organization Stratagy

6.1.1.5.3. Outline your important Ideas

6.1.1.6. Writing the Draft

6.1.1.6.1. Parts of the Document

6.1.1.6.2. Nonlinear process..