WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Communicating simplicity is when one uses concise and accurate language. It is also presenting your information with ease by learning that writing is an "iterative" process. One needs to reflect and apply feedback from others to know you are connecting with your audience.
HOW DO WE COMMUNICATE SIMPLICITY? >
INITIAL TASK
Throughout the course, I had to engage with my peers, professional writers and professor in communicating and presenting ideas clearly. From the start, I was asked to be familiar with the structure and process of "technical writing." The transition from academic writing to technical writing was not an easy process since the intended audience was very different.
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However, I gradually expanded my skills through many coursework, such as Peer Feedback Review and Forum Contributions. In this course, my primary goal is to communicate my information with simplicity and clarity. I demonstrated this aspect by learning how to use concise language, active voice and using feedback to self-reflect and enhance my writing.
MY ACTIONS
At first, I created a dedicated time plan to successfully communicate with professional technical writers efficiently and productively. On this point forward, I was troubled by the fact that I was unfamiliar with technical writing. This fact made me anxious and in order to counter this obstacle, I used Pomodoro timer to dedicate each time block for each individual task.
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After my research and writing is finished, I communicated with technical professional writers about my opinions and concerns in creating the fast fix guide. For instance, I asked "if using transitional words will be appropriate when writing a guide". This level of self-awareness and reflection enables me to be fully involved in the progress of my writing. As a result, I gain more insights from others in my writing and simultaneously discern which elements are effective. Similarly, in forum contributions, I practice written communication by learning how to organize my thoughts through effective signposting.
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As a matter of fact, I also reflect on my peers' feedback in forum contributions and peer review to expand my perspective. For instance, some peers recommend to not be restricted by using one source, but also other sources to find valuable information. Then, I take advantage of this feedback to enhance my understanding of practical elements in writing.
Figure 1:
Draft iFixIt Guide vs. Revised Final iFixIt Guide
RESULTS
Hence, I recognized that reflecting on others' feedback, despite being criticisms or constructive is still a crucial part in improving written communication. By learning how to handle opposing views with an open mind, I was able to present my information with ease (Willison et al.). I demonstrated this by learning that any feedback is a form of communication. They must be acknowledged to communicate with a general audience effectively. I also did this by revising my work according to peers' feedback.
In addition, throughout my coursework, I used an active voice, concise language, correct grammar and punctuation (O'Regan). Effective written communication is vital in a future workplace, especially with employees in multiple departments with restricted knowledge ("Written Communication Skills: Definitions And Examples | Indeed.Com").