Professional Secrets

Tell a Story

Stories

Writing PromptThink of a story you can use to present on one of these topics:Wearing seatbeltsThe importance of class participationStaying sober

Formula-Based RulesState the rule or principle formally.Supply the relevant mathematical formula.State the rule or principle casually.Provide an example showing rule in action.Describe special cases or limitations of the formula.Provide succession of examples using formula.

Great ExplicationsHelp readers visualize what youre talking about.Non-Metaphorical ExamplesMetaphorical ExamplesQ&A Formatted AnswersIllustrations

Examples by MetaphorAlways connect unfamiliar or new concepts to those already familiar to your audience.Search for metaphors that really illustrate the concept well.

Conjunctions

Text ExampleConcept:Use a semicolon with items in a list that are already separated by commas.Non-metaphorical Example:We visited New Orleans, Louisiana; Austin, Texas; and St. Cloud, Minnesota.Metaphorical Example:Think of this type of semicolon as the Supercomma. When ordinary commas arent enough, bring out the caped commander.

Ideas for ExamplesFictional material Aesops fables, popular stories, movies, *religious, etc.)Concrete or Applied examples How can you apply this concept?Personal examples/AnecdotesHow have you personally used or related to this info?Children/AnimalsCan a story about kids or pets illustrate the point?

Writing PromptWrite a metaphorical example to illustrate one or more of the following concepts:Poor ManagersExcellent TeachersShy presenters

Question & Answer

Q&A ExampleWhy do I need to get my code from an adviser before registering for classes?Because your adviser is there to discuss your options and make sure you take the right classes you need in order to graduate.But what if I have no idea know what I want to major in?Your adviser can talk with you about possible careers, graduate education, or majoring in general studies.

Writing PromptWrite 3 questions and answers to help people understand one of the following concepts:Preparing for a formal job interview.Preparing for an important final exam.

IllustrationsIllustrations support text, not substitute for it.Provide caption.Keep labels consistent.Consider eye movement across page.

Right click on Image in WordINSERT -> REFERENCE -> CAPTION

In Other WordsExplain complicated concepts in different ways.A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with a comma without a coordinating conjunction.In other words, youve got two complete sentences separated only by a comma. Just add a conjunction like and to fix the problem.

Writing PromptAdd in other words to help break down one of these ideas:When preparing for a formal job interview or a first date, dress for success. In other words Students who are tardy to more than three class sessions may be marked as absent by their instructors. In other words

Tone

Dearest SweetheartOver the past few months, it has come to my attention that due to certain emotions I have been experiencing in your presence, I have become obliged to request your company for a romantic outing to the local cinema establishment and perhaps a hamburger afterwards.

ChecklistHave you used enough examples?Are your examples appropriate?Did you explain difficult concepts in a variety of ways?Did you pick the right tone?Is your document varied, or just big clunks of text?

Have a beginning, middle, and endIntroduce characters (people involved, etc.) perhaps with a problemTry to be entertainingPeople can read at home

*Descriptions without examples are useless to many readers.

*Q&A Format can be quite refreshing after reading big chunks of prose.It can also get tiresomedont get carried away!Treat Q&A like a play between a slightly nave but inquisitive individual and a know-it-all.Let questions and answers flow into one another (should be read sequentially).Keep answers short.

*Do all documents need to be written in a formal tone?Learn to write in multiple tones for different occasions and audiences.

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