In its simplest form, technical communication is the “user manual” for an assortment of media related avenues. Technical communication helps the everyday person understand, navigate and trouble shoot technical domains. Persons that specialize in researching and creating information about technical processes work as a “cheat sheet “for the general public. Technical communication gives the average person the opportunity to incorporate technology, electronics, computers and highly technical equipment into our daily lives without needing an expert by our side every minute of the day. Technical communication is the help desk we have all learned to depend on without a second thought. Technical communication is evident in every aspect of our lives from our cellular devices all the way down to the oven and coffee pot.
Technical writing is a form of technical communication. These are the persons that serve the public consumer by putting into writing all the information that is needed to comprehend and utilize different types of media. Technical writers have the daunting task of explaining technology, computer hardware and software to those that are technically savvy and may need to maneuver lifesaving machinery in an operating room. Technical writers must also explain technology and related ideas to nontechnical audiences. This could mean telling a consumer how to operate a television remote control, how to turn activate the flash on a camera or maybe even the different speeds on an electric toothbrush. No matter how big or small, the job of a technical writer has become indispensible to our technologically engrossed society. According to Lannon, (2008) “to interact with technology in so many ways, we all rely on usable technical information” (p.1).
Technical communication puts the power of operation back into the hands of the consumer. This form of communication takes the art of customer service to an entirely new level. Consumers are mobile, busy and need their technologies to function properly and at its full capacity at all times. Technical communication has become virtually omnipresent and can be the difference between a meeting running smoothly or losing a million dollar deal! Technical communication is customer centered and people focused. Its job is to be clear, concise, thorough and simple enough that the majority of users are able to “help themselves” in most situations. Technical communication has eliminated the need for large numbers of IT employees. If people are able to fix their own problems, the call volume for help is dramatically reduced thus saving a company a lot of money in salaries for the help desk. With technical communication anyone and everyone can be an expert. It’s a form of educating the public. Technical communications is also used in other forms of media such as, internet, video, and audio channels.
Lannon, L.M. (2008) Technical Communication, 11th. Ed. NY: Pearson
Monday, December 12, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Nonverbal Communications
Nonverbal communication is as significant as verbal communication. When communicating, it is essential that verbal and nonverbal messages are in sync with the overall intent of the message being sent.
The Power of Words
Words are powerful, whether spoken or written they are a vital part of communication.The Power of words can have a positive or negative impact on a life.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Critiquing Blogs: Peer Reviews
I had the pleasure of critiquing three wonderfully unique blogs. Below you will find my critique of the three blogs. I am no expert but hopefully I can help.
Blog #1 - www.Poeticjustice46.blogspot.com
I think the author has an awesome start to her blog. Adding more content would help clearly define the purpose. Establishing the purpose will help shape her target audience and attract visitors. The blog accessibility is easy and the page is easy to navigate. The information on the page is not chucked but is laid out nicely. The blog does not overwhelm users with excessive choices. The time and date for the posts are clearly indicated. The author definitely has added personality to her page design. The document is organized top-down and the links are easily navigated. All graphics and images are necessary for the page. The blog is functional. The URL is easy to remember and not too long. Additionally, her blog name is unique. My advices, since it is a professional blog, it is important not forget to add content (works) from other classes. I would also suggest updating the blog regularly.
Blog #2 - http://sandradee-communication.blogspot.com/
I may have mentioned it before but her blog design is the same design I selected. The design does not contain distracting graphics, is easy to navigate and read. The purpose for the blog is clear based on the posted content. The blog URL is simple and easy to remember. The author’s blog name is unique. The text contains short sentences, paragraphs and is easy to scan. The blog has social media links that are relevant to the readers. Headings are bold, and distinguished. I would suggest adding some type of widget to her blog that is in line with the purpose. Additionally, she should continue to add content from her previous communication classes.
Blog #3 - http://antwainwilliams.blogspot.com/2011/11/black-family-dynamics.html (see new blog URL in cites below).
The author’s purpose is clear based on the medium selected, URL, blog name and the first blog post. Nevertheless, adding more content would help clearly define the purpose for all readers. Establishing the purpose will help shape the target audience and attract more visitors. The author posted a great article! The page background conception supports his theme however; it clashes with the post graphics. Blog designs will attract more readers when they are interactive and not too distracting. The URL is good but the length may be too long for people to read. “If a continuing blog has only one writer, that person’s name, title, photograph and a Bio (Biography) link often are featured in the Web page design” (Lannon, 2008, p. 410). Therefore, I recommend adding more information to the blog “about me” biography/profile section. The blog should foster a relationship between blog host and their audience. Some people have a hard time “buying” into a person when they do not know what the individual is about. I would also consider shortening the URL to end after.com. Additionally, since it is a professional blog do not forget to add content (works) from other classes.
New York.
Odden, L. (n.d.). 7 Key Elements to a successful business blog. Retrieved From: http://www.toprankblog.com/2011/02/7-successful-business-blog.
Williams, A. (2011). EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS. Retrived from: http://antwainwilliams7.blogspot.com/.
Blog #1 - www.Poeticjustice46.blogspot.com
I think the author has an awesome start to her blog. Adding more content would help clearly define the purpose. Establishing the purpose will help shape her target audience and attract visitors. The blog accessibility is easy and the page is easy to navigate. The information on the page is not chucked but is laid out nicely. The blog does not overwhelm users with excessive choices. The time and date for the posts are clearly indicated. The author definitely has added personality to her page design. The document is organized top-down and the links are easily navigated. All graphics and images are necessary for the page. The blog is functional. The URL is easy to remember and not too long. Additionally, her blog name is unique. My advices, since it is a professional blog, it is important not forget to add content (works) from other classes. I would also suggest updating the blog regularly.
Blog #2 - http://sandradee-communication.blogspot.com/
I may have mentioned it before but her blog design is the same design I selected. The design does not contain distracting graphics, is easy to navigate and read. The purpose for the blog is clear based on the posted content. The blog URL is simple and easy to remember. The author’s blog name is unique. The text contains short sentences, paragraphs and is easy to scan. The blog has social media links that are relevant to the readers. Headings are bold, and distinguished. I would suggest adding some type of widget to her blog that is in line with the purpose. Additionally, she should continue to add content from her previous communication classes.
Blog #3 - http://antwainwilliams.blogspot.com/2011/11/black-family-dynamics.html (see new blog URL in cites below).
The author’s purpose is clear based on the medium selected, URL, blog name and the first blog post. Nevertheless, adding more content would help clearly define the purpose for all readers. Establishing the purpose will help shape the target audience and attract more visitors. The author posted a great article! The page background conception supports his theme however; it clashes with the post graphics. Blog designs will attract more readers when they are interactive and not too distracting. The URL is good but the length may be too long for people to read. “If a continuing blog has only one writer, that person’s name, title, photograph and a Bio (Biography) link often are featured in the Web page design” (Lannon, 2008, p. 410). Therefore, I recommend adding more information to the blog “about me” biography/profile section. The blog should foster a relationship between blog host and their audience. Some people have a hard time “buying” into a person when they do not know what the individual is about. I would also consider shortening the URL to end after.com. Additionally, since it is a professional blog do not forget to add content (works) from other classes.
Allen, S. (2011). Sandra dee's soulful spill. Retrieved from: http://sandradee-communication.blogspot.com/.
Lannon, J. (2008). Technical communication eleventh edition. Pearson Custom Publishing.New York.
Odden, L. (n.d.). 7 Key Elements to a successful business blog. Retrieved From: http://www.toprankblog.com/2011/02/7-successful-business-blog.
Williams, A. (2011). EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS. Retrived from: http://antwainwilliams7.blogspot.com/.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Standing in the Gap: Arbitration and Mediation (Works from Com 325) - Part 2
The American Arbitration Association (AAA) provides services to individuals and organizations who wish to resolve conflicts out of court. According to the AAA, services include assisting in the appointment of mediators and arbitrators, setting hearings, and providing users with information on dispute resolution options, including settlement through mediation (AAA, 2007, par. 2). In the career field of public safety, the AAA would be very helpful with employee versus employer disputes or internal affairs. The AAA would help the employee to properly navigate the already established system and the company may avoid losing a possibly beneficial worker. The department of public safety may also contact the AAA to speak with employees that may need to prepare for a deposition. The AAA would help the department effectively answer legal questions and better understand how to testify under oath. This would be for the protection of the company and the employee. “To keep pace, the AAA has for many years tapped its mediation DNA and developed initiatives designed to raise the profile and attractiveness of its mediation services to parties and advocates” (Slate, 2007).
There may be drawbacks to the use of an arbitrator or a mediator. “…some scholars decry it as a thing that undermines the traditionally judge-driven development of the common law. Arbitration's inability to create precedent and its inconsistent results makes some question its legitimacy” (Pickerill, 2007). In other words, the decision of an arbitrator cannot be used as a template for future disputes. Arbitration lacks an appeal process so the two parties are permanently bound to the decision or the arbitrator. Even if future research finds that a person is entitled to more compensation, the case cannot be reopened. Mediation drawbacks are the lack of decision power on the part of the mediator. The mediator can only listen and direct the flow of communication but the total responsibility of conflict resolution is dependant on the communication of the two parties. This can prolong a decision or leave the individuals at a stand-still.
Conflict resolution requires many tools and skills. Mediation and arbitration are just some of the tools used to resolve a conflict. Both use communication skills as a baseline for resolving conflict and require a neutral third party to set these rules in place. Many times organizations and even families use these services as an alternative to court and or litigation. Mediation and arbitration are often times a win-win for all parties. With any intervention there are draw backs that each party would have to consider when choosing to engage in mediation or arbitration. However, most would agree that having a third party to stand in the gap would prove beneficial to conflicting parties.
Abigail, R. (2010). Managing Conflict through Communication, 4th Edition. Allyn & Bacon/Course Smart.
American Arbitration Association. (2007). About Us. Retrieved from: http://www.adr.org/about
Carl N Pickerill. (2007). SPECIALIZED AJUDICATION IN AN ADMINISTRATIVE FORUM: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LAW. The Notre Dame Law Review, 82(4), 1605. Retrieved March 20, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals.
William K Slate II. (2007). Mediation is in Our DNA. Dispute Resolution Journal, 62(2), 1. Retrieved March 20, 2011, from ABI/INFORM Global.
There may be drawbacks to the use of an arbitrator or a mediator. “…some scholars decry it as a thing that undermines the traditionally judge-driven development of the common law. Arbitration's inability to create precedent and its inconsistent results makes some question its legitimacy” (Pickerill, 2007). In other words, the decision of an arbitrator cannot be used as a template for future disputes. Arbitration lacks an appeal process so the two parties are permanently bound to the decision or the arbitrator. Even if future research finds that a person is entitled to more compensation, the case cannot be reopened. Mediation drawbacks are the lack of decision power on the part of the mediator. The mediator can only listen and direct the flow of communication but the total responsibility of conflict resolution is dependant on the communication of the two parties. This can prolong a decision or leave the individuals at a stand-still.
Conflict resolution requires many tools and skills. Mediation and arbitration are just some of the tools used to resolve a conflict. Both use communication skills as a baseline for resolving conflict and require a neutral third party to set these rules in place. Many times organizations and even families use these services as an alternative to court and or litigation. Mediation and arbitration are often times a win-win for all parties. With any intervention there are draw backs that each party would have to consider when choosing to engage in mediation or arbitration. However, most would agree that having a third party to stand in the gap would prove beneficial to conflicting parties.
Abigail, R. (2010). Managing Conflict through Communication, 4th Edition. Allyn & Bacon/Course Smart.
American Arbitration Association. (2007). About Us. Retrieved from: http://www.adr.org/about
Carl N Pickerill. (2007). SPECIALIZED AJUDICATION IN AN ADMINISTRATIVE FORUM: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LAW. The Notre Dame Law Review, 82(4), 1605. Retrieved March 20, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals.
William K Slate II. (2007). Mediation is in Our DNA. Dispute Resolution Journal, 62(2), 1. Retrieved March 20, 2011, from ABI/INFORM Global.
Standing in the Gap: Arbitration and Mediation (Works from com 325) - Part 1
In the course of human interaction and verbal communication, sources of friction or disagreement will come. People view topics in very diverse ways and there are times when they are not able to come to a resolution on their own. When each party is very passionate or personally invested in their own interest, it is difficult to understand the validity of someone else’s point of view. When this takes place it is necessary to implore the knowledge of a third party. Mediation and Arbitration serves as suitable neutral third parties to help resolve personal and business conflicts. The roles of the mediator and arbitrator are clearly defined and are based on the effectiveness of communication.
The role of a mediator is based on the idea that they are fair, and non-biased. A mediator is set as the “go-between” in a situation when a conclusion is not readily feasible. The role of a mediator in conflict resolution is vital to the flow of communication, and allowing equal opportunity for each party to be heard. “Mediation is when a neutral third party facilitates communication between the conflicting parties so that they may work out their own mutually acceptable agreement” (Abigail, 2010, p 195). A mediator can be an equalizer or neutralizer by attempting to extract the main ideas of each argument and present them so that each side can gather a clearer understanding of each other.
An arbitrator is called upon for more serious matters which often times involve an alternative to litigation. They are asked to make a final and binding decision on what should be done and how either party should be compensated in a particular situation. “Arbitration is when a neutral third party considers both sides of a dispute and makes a decision, which is more binding than that of a judge in the legal system if both parties have agreed in advance to abide by the decision” (Abigail, 2010, p. 195). Furthermore, there is no opportunity to appeal the decision of an arbitrator. An arbitrator is well versed in the legal aspects of a situation so that the decision is fair yet remains within the parameters of the law. The arbitrator will save each party a lot of time and costs in legal fees by making a prudent decision without involving lawyers, juries, and judges.
An arbitrator and a mediator both work to bring resolution but on different scales of importance. For example, an arbitrator would be hired by a corporation negotiate the terms of collective bargaining agreements with the union workers of their business. An arbitrator would make sure the workers are well compensated while at the same time the company is able to reasonably benefit from the decision as well. We would also see an arbitrator work with a company that is being sued for a fall in their parking lot or in the isle of a grocery store. With the help of the arbitrator, they can settle out of court, compensating the victim and helping the company avoid paying large legal fees.
A mediator would be used in times of political debates. The mediator would enforce the rules for the debate, ask poignant questions to stimulate the debate and guide disputants to cease discussing some topics and focus on others. A mediator can also be used in family counselor with feuding parents or siblings. The mediator would help each party to “talk without expressing hostility to one another, focus on the future (what the parties will do) rather than the past (what was done) and striving for a win” (Abigail, 2010, p.199).
Abigail, R. (2010). Managing Conflict through Communication, 4th Edition. Allyn & Bacon/Course Smart.
American Arbitration Association. (2007). About Us. Retrieved from: http://www.adr.org/about
Carl N Pickerill. (2007). SPECIALIZED AJUDICATION IN AN ADMINISTRATIVE FORUM: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LAW. The Notre Dame Law Review, 82(4), 1605. Retrieved March 20, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals.
William K Slate II. (2007). Mediation is in Our DNA. Dispute Resolution Journal, 62(2), 1. Retrieved March 20, 2011, from ABI/INFORM Global.
The role of a mediator is based on the idea that they are fair, and non-biased. A mediator is set as the “go-between” in a situation when a conclusion is not readily feasible. The role of a mediator in conflict resolution is vital to the flow of communication, and allowing equal opportunity for each party to be heard. “Mediation is when a neutral third party facilitates communication between the conflicting parties so that they may work out their own mutually acceptable agreement” (Abigail, 2010, p 195). A mediator can be an equalizer or neutralizer by attempting to extract the main ideas of each argument and present them so that each side can gather a clearer understanding of each other.
An arbitrator is called upon for more serious matters which often times involve an alternative to litigation. They are asked to make a final and binding decision on what should be done and how either party should be compensated in a particular situation. “Arbitration is when a neutral third party considers both sides of a dispute and makes a decision, which is more binding than that of a judge in the legal system if both parties have agreed in advance to abide by the decision” (Abigail, 2010, p. 195). Furthermore, there is no opportunity to appeal the decision of an arbitrator. An arbitrator is well versed in the legal aspects of a situation so that the decision is fair yet remains within the parameters of the law. The arbitrator will save each party a lot of time and costs in legal fees by making a prudent decision without involving lawyers, juries, and judges.
An arbitrator and a mediator both work to bring resolution but on different scales of importance. For example, an arbitrator would be hired by a corporation negotiate the terms of collective bargaining agreements with the union workers of their business. An arbitrator would make sure the workers are well compensated while at the same time the company is able to reasonably benefit from the decision as well. We would also see an arbitrator work with a company that is being sued for a fall in their parking lot or in the isle of a grocery store. With the help of the arbitrator, they can settle out of court, compensating the victim and helping the company avoid paying large legal fees.
A mediator would be used in times of political debates. The mediator would enforce the rules for the debate, ask poignant questions to stimulate the debate and guide disputants to cease discussing some topics and focus on others. A mediator can also be used in family counselor with feuding parents or siblings. The mediator would help each party to “talk without expressing hostility to one another, focus on the future (what the parties will do) rather than the past (what was done) and striving for a win” (Abigail, 2010, p.199).
Abigail, R. (2010). Managing Conflict through Communication, 4th Edition. Allyn & Bacon/Course Smart.
American Arbitration Association. (2007). About Us. Retrieved from: http://www.adr.org/about
Carl N Pickerill. (2007). SPECIALIZED AJUDICATION IN AN ADMINISTRATIVE FORUM: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LAW. The Notre Dame Law Review, 82(4), 1605. Retrieved March 20, 2011, from Criminal Justice Periodicals.
William K Slate II. (2007). Mediation is in Our DNA. Dispute Resolution Journal, 62(2), 1. Retrieved March 20, 2011, from ABI/INFORM Global.
Personal Constructs (works from Com 321)
To be authentically self-aware, we must understand how we view ourselves and others. The next level of awareness comes in being conscious of how these views were developed. These views are called personal constructs. According to Trenholm (2010), “Personal constructs are characteristics that we notice on a daily basis about others” (Trenholm, 2010, p. 48). In reviewing my own personal constructs I noticed they reflect my personal values. Values pertaining to unique characteristics, a person’s relationships to others, reputation, and most of all willingness to give to those in times of need, play a major role in my description and perceptions of a person.
My personal constructs of people appear to be stable. I have little concern for physical appearances, outward shows or topical attributes. No matter whom the person is or why I know them, my instinct is to create constructs based on the observations I have made through our interactions. This construct can decrease or limit room for stereotypes but it does not eliminate it. For example, if I meet a person with a bad attitude, poor customer relations and apparently “short” with people, my construct would summarize a rude, self-seeking, insensitive person. However, upon further investigation and with closer interactions I may later find this person was having a bad day, may have been sick, worried about their family or could have encountered a very mean and insensitive customer prior to my arrival, thus my personal constructs were skewed. For this reason I do not judge myself more favorably than others.
I realize others will have personal constructs related to me and no matter how I believe I should be described, they are the final judge. These constructs not only give us ideas about a person but it affects the way we communicate with them. For example, if I have developed a personal construct about one of my employees being laziness, irresponsible and very forgetful, it would affect the way I communicate. My communication will emphasize tasks, reinforce expectations, follow up often, and use a stern tone to evoke the seriousness of my instructions.
I believe that constructs are not always fair and can never summarize the totality of a person. We use personal constructs in order to understand and navigate the world around us. It’s only when we believe that our own constructs are absolute truth with no room for change that we encounter stereotyping, closed minded thinking and biases. We must avoid blindly making assumptions and conjecture without the willingness to grow. We must be open to accepting that character has no race, age, ethnicity, gender, or socio economic status. Our personal constructs should evolve and mature as we do.
Trenholm, S.,(2010). Thinking through communication: An introduction to the study of human communication. (Chapter 3, p.48).
My personal constructs of people appear to be stable. I have little concern for physical appearances, outward shows or topical attributes. No matter whom the person is or why I know them, my instinct is to create constructs based on the observations I have made through our interactions. This construct can decrease or limit room for stereotypes but it does not eliminate it. For example, if I meet a person with a bad attitude, poor customer relations and apparently “short” with people, my construct would summarize a rude, self-seeking, insensitive person. However, upon further investigation and with closer interactions I may later find this person was having a bad day, may have been sick, worried about their family or could have encountered a very mean and insensitive customer prior to my arrival, thus my personal constructs were skewed. For this reason I do not judge myself more favorably than others.
I realize others will have personal constructs related to me and no matter how I believe I should be described, they are the final judge. These constructs not only give us ideas about a person but it affects the way we communicate with them. For example, if I have developed a personal construct about one of my employees being laziness, irresponsible and very forgetful, it would affect the way I communicate. My communication will emphasize tasks, reinforce expectations, follow up often, and use a stern tone to evoke the seriousness of my instructions.
I believe that constructs are not always fair and can never summarize the totality of a person. We use personal constructs in order to understand and navigate the world around us. It’s only when we believe that our own constructs are absolute truth with no room for change that we encounter stereotyping, closed minded thinking and biases. We must avoid blindly making assumptions and conjecture without the willingness to grow. We must be open to accepting that character has no race, age, ethnicity, gender, or socio economic status. Our personal constructs should evolve and mature as we do.
Trenholm, S.,(2010). Thinking through communication: An introduction to the study of human communication. (Chapter 3, p.48).
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