In response to Rhiannon's blog...

My favorite point that Rhiannon brought up was this line: "I have learned that writing doesn't have to be fancy to get the point across; it can be simple." That truly is one of the biggest things to get out of this class. Most of the English classes I have taken have focused on the more creative side of writing. Sentences have to be eloquently written, the bigger and more creative the word, the better. But this class has definitely taught me that unless you are doing creative writing, most of the writing you do SHOULD NOT be in this format. We live in a fast-paced world where people don't have time to read every word written. You need to get to the point quickly and simply. While this may not encourage my creative side, I can really see how this form of writing is best for the work environment.

What I've Learned...

When I signed up to take this class, it was not a choice. It was just another requirement that I was working my way through in order to graduate. I was a little worried about taking it--I hadn't taken an English class since high school. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I was worried about having to write a bunch of papers--expository, persuasive, the usual. However, the mix of different genres has been interesting and informational. I really enjoyed the spin put on the class. Instead of writing paper after paper for academic purposes, we took a direct look at what things are like in the real world and constructed our assignments in that sense. In this sense, this has been one of the most useful classes I've taken. Writing comes up in whatever line of business you choose. Even if you don't have to write lengthy technical reports, you will most likely have to write a memo or a write-up of an event or meeting or some other unstructured form.

With all the focus on the reader, I have definitely learned to take a look at my writing and see how a reader would see it. I may think that I've written the best piece of work ever, but if no one reads it, then it's worthless. I need to target what I write to my reader. I also need to make sure that what I'm writing has a purpose for the reader. One of the biggest realizations for me of this concept is when writing an objective statement for a resume. I struggled with this in the past, not knowing how to word it. But after reading about how it should be targeted to your employer and what they will gain, not what you will gain, then it has a purpose.

Overall this has been a great class. I've learned a lot, been entertained, and definitely improved my writing. I've always enjoyed writing and been good at it, but this has transformed it into something useful for my future career. It has changed it from a hobby, or something to get a good grade, into something that will be an asset to me in my future career.

In reponse to Inna's post

I liked how Inna pointed out how a website needs to be easy to find on the Internet. If you create this awesome website with cool graphics and quick links, if no one ever sees it, it's worthless. You need to be able to put keywords somewhere on your website. If you're selling a product, you need to be able to include as many words that will match up to something that someone will search for, so that when someone types "custom blinds" into google, your website will come up. I also remember the first speaker talking about this. You may think you have the best website, but you have to go to different search engines and try searching for your page to see if it comes up.

Chapters 17 and 18

Chapter 17: Creating and Delivering Listener-Centered Oral Presentations

I really enjoyed this chapter. Public speaking has always been a somewhat uncomfortable activity for me through the years. For me and just about everyone else. I've read before that more people fear public speaking than death. I believe it!!

This chapter provided a lot of tips to use to prepare for a presentation so that you can get rid of the things that will make you nervous. I liked how it focused on making it interesting for the audience. I have been to many presentations that are long and boring and do not cater to the audience at all. Reading word-for-word off of PowerPoint slides is a common annoyance that the book mentioned and that I share. When people read off of slides, I immediately lose interest. Visuals should only provide key points and be a supplement to what you're saying. They should not be a script for your entire presentation.

Chapter 18: Creating Reader-Centered Web Pages and Websites

This chapter contained a lot of information that I was already familiar with. I have learned what websites should look like just by surfing the web. You can immediately see a good website versus a bad website. Visual design, ease of use, and availability of information are very important aspects to a good website.

Chapters 2, 9, and 10

Chapter 2: Overview of the Reader-Centered Communication Process: Obtaining a Job

Here's reader-centered writing at its finest! This entire chapter was almost an introduction to the reader-centered approach that we have been reading throughout the entire chapter. In this chapter, however, it was focused on job stuff, which is actually very relevant. Most of the items on resume writing was pretty standard, all things I have seen and used before. The one thing that threw me, however, was the suggestion to tailor each resume to the business you are sending it to. Here I thought you constructed and perfected this immaculate resume, and then it was perfect to send out as you pleased. This chapter had a very good point in altering it. A company would prefer a tailored resume, one that directly addresses the position and company you are applying for, not just a general draft portraying your attributes. I also found the part on writing an objective showing what you can do for the company, rather than what you will get out of working there, a good addition. I will definitely take these suggestions to heart when I start sending out resumes.

Chapter 9: Beginning a Communication and Chapter 10: Ending a Communication

These chapters had pretty much the same ideas, just tailored to what to do in the beginning, and what to do in the end. For example, you should use a summary in both parts, but the beginning one should be a summary of things to come and the ending summary should be a summary of the most important parts of the paper. It's kind of the old adage, "Tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you told them." I've always used this for writing papers and it seems to play a part here, too.

The Evils of Advertising...

It's been a few days, but the message that the movie "The Persuaders" focused on still bothers me. As a consumer, and as an intellectual human being, I resent what the big advertisers are trying to do. Advertising in its simplest form doesn't bother me. If I'm watching TV and an ad comes on for something that I might be interested in, I will pay attention and maybe even go out to purchase the item. Same thing goes for any print ads in periodicals. I expect them to be there, I read them if I'm interested, and if not I move on. But the way advertisers are trying to take it to the next level is what sickens me. They are now creating ad campaigns that are supposed to appeal to our emotional side, and force us to buy something, even if we don't really realize why we want it. Or using "product placement' to get to us on a subliminal level. Or posting their ads and logos every where we look so we're forced to look at their stupid ad. This is what really bothers me. It's kind of like guerrilla advertising. And we thought they were following some code of ethics...

I also hate the fact that they think they can motivate us to buy something by using the facts of the "reptilian brain". For one thing, I didn't evolve from a reptile, I was created. So that theory goes right out the window. Motivating me based on my basic needs is an insult. I am a human being that can make intellectual decisions. I am offended that advertisers think they can ignore my intellectual side and focus solely on my emotional needs. I'm not an animal, or a piece of meat to be won. I am a thinking, decision-making person that doesn't appreciate being fought after over slimy ad companies.

Being in the business major, I had to take a marketing class. I had the same feeling throughout that class, too. I don't know, it might just be my opinion, but I don't think we as consumers should be okay with what today's advertisers are doing. Our nation is so material-driven as it is, so when advertisers try to fuel that obsession, they are just keeping that materialistic part alive and well. I think we should step back and realize what the endless drive for more stuff is doing to us as a nation and people. We are constantly unhappy and need more and more. Our world is becoming cluttered with the all the stuff that we buy, barely use, then replace. The environmental issue is such a hot topic today. I think all the environmentalists should look at what the advertising companies are doing to drive the devastation of the natural world. Then maybe something could be done about it.

In Response to Taylor Black

I like how you touched on the fact that in the business world, there might not be time to step away from your writing, or for multiple peer reviews and revisions. When you complete something, it should be right the first time. That's what you're getting paid to do. If you can't deliver on the first try, then you either learn quickly or lose your job. Every job may not be like this, but when it comes down to it, employers really do want it done right the first time. Then they don't have to pay for revisions of something that should already be done. In school, all these suggestions are very useful, but in the business world, there might not be time. It's important though to use the review suggestions whenever possible and work in reviewing throughout the creation of the project.