Tone in Business Writing:
The tone of a document could be defined as an attitude/ emotion towards the subject being discussed and the reader. The tone of a document is important since it carries the message across to the reader. Some good questions you can ask when determining the tone you wish to prevail are: what is the reason you are writing the document, what you want the readers to take from reading your document/ do and who is the audience?
1. Business writing should be short and formal since it is mostly letters, memos, reports and instructional documents. Do not be too formal though, make it sound more natural and have your personality in the writing. It also helps the reader, from being bored.
2. Emails to close co-workers can be informal since you them on a personal level.
3. Be positive in your writing, even if the purpose of the document is to bring forth bad news or negative news. Turn the document into a positive outlook somehow. Be sincere but honest.
4. Be polite and professional in your writing.
5. Your tone should sound like you are very professional and know 100% about what you are writing about (confidence).
6. Use appropriate, polite, professional and straightforward language.
http://www.writeexpress.com/tone.html
Since some people are wondering how to make a bad news document into a positive outlook, the following video shows how to write a Bad News Message.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Daniel R's Prewriting Process
Prewriting helps the writer become prepared for the writing he or she is about to do. It can help you become prepared in your state of mind or physically. One of the benefits of prewriting is it helps you overcome stress that you may have had or writers block.
While brainstorming, you can gather all of your thoughts of what you need to do. The writer can write down any main points they want to cover in the paper. You may find it helpful to write an outline at this time. To come up with an effective outline you need to rearrange all of the terms you wrote down so they are organized. Having a friend there can help out with this process as well. You can have your friend write down any ideas you have as your saying them aloud. Saying the aloud helps so you don’t forget what you were saying when you write them down.
After brainstorming you need to start drawing up your paper. To draw up your paper you can use a white board or a large sheet of paper. Drawing it up helps you visualize what you want the paper to look like. The write can put down the terms they want to use and find a way to link them all together. Linking them together helps the writer see the big picture.
The last thing you need to do is start to free write. One good way to correctly free write is to time yourself. The writer doesn’t need to worry about it sounding good or making sense. Don’t stop writing until the time is up. Free writing is supposed to help you generate some ideas that you want to have in your paper.
Try not to spend too much time prewriting or it will soon become underproductive, because you still need to actually start the project. Hopefully this helps you in your writing process and does not make you procrastinate.
Resources:
http://www.thewritingsite.org/resources/managing/workshop/prewrite.asp
missryan.matt-morris.com/writingprocess.ppt
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/writing-process/5805
Tutorial for making a movie using Microsoft Moviemaker by Ryan S
It should be noted from the begging that Window's MovieMaker is not a particularly hard program to use. Microsoft has done a very good job in making it very user friendly. The problems arise when you try and get into the more advanced features. I could honestly write a small book on this but will avoid doing so and rather focus on the basic's. So let us begin.... 
Above is a picture of the basic layout of Windows Moviemaker. As you can see there are (5) basic panels or sections. Moviemaker allows you to add video clips and music to form a "Movie". Which can be used to upload home movies or clips that you might want to send to friends and family. Or by a business to promote a product or upload, say, a commercial.
Here are the basic step's to making a movie using "Windows MovieMaker".
1. Open your file or movie. Then click “Import video”; it will take a few moments to import, depending on the file size and how long that clip is.
2. Click and drag the different sets of clips you've shot down to the Storyboard, which is located at the bottom of the window.
3. Add video effects. Click “Video Effects” on the left side of the window. Drag what effect you want and put it the star in the corner of the Clip.
4. Add transitions. Select the “View Video Transitions” from the left panel. Drag them down to the “Storyboard”, but put them in the middle box. You can view the transitions by clicking on them and watching them on the screen to the left.
5. Add music or cut short the clips by clicking the “Timeline” also at the bottom of the screen.
6. When you want to cut some time from the Clip, click the half triangle at the side of the clip, and then you can move how long you want the scene.
7. Mute the camera if you're going to make a music video; you don’t want anyone to hear that part, just the music. Then, go to “Import Audio or Music” select a song. Then drag it down to the “TimeLine” You can also cut time or make a short sound from clicking the triangle and dragging to make it as long as you want, you can have just one word, chorus or just the whole song.
8. Add title or credits by clicking on the appropriate link on the left panel. To add credits, there is a big empty bar on the form; you should put either the title of the movie, or credits. The left side of the form should go positions, like Director, or Producer, or the character. Then, the right side, will be the names of the people that play or direct in their position.
9. Click the view “timeline” and you should see the time line with the song, the title, the clips, and the effects and transitions. Then, you can view the movie that you have created by pressing play on the left panel with the screen.
10. If you are satisfied, click “Save to my computer” or if you have a CD/DVD you could also save it to that, and it should again, take a few moments to save, then you are done with your movie.
I hope that this tutorial helped you. As you can see using Windows Moviemaker is not as daunting of a task as one might seem, but yet a rather enjoyable one. The uses of Moviemaker are endless and with just a few simple actions, anyone can be a "Movie Maker"!
References:
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Windows-Movie-Maker
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/getstarted/default.mspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZXK68NS7gU
IMG: http://res1.windows.microsoft.com/resbox/en/Windows%20Vista/Main/7/e/7e489880-f28c-44a4-9e36-35cc2d870427/7e489880-f28c-44a4-9e36-35cc2d870427.png
Above is a picture of the basic layout of Windows Moviemaker. As you can see there are (5) basic panels or sections. Moviemaker allows you to add video clips and music to form a "Movie". Which can be used to upload home movies or clips that you might want to send to friends and family. Or by a business to promote a product or upload, say, a commercial.
Here are the basic step's to making a movie using "Windows MovieMaker".
1. Open your file or movie. Then click “Import video”; it will take a few moments to import, depending on the file size and how long that clip is.
2. Click and drag the different sets of clips you've shot down to the Storyboard, which is located at the bottom of the window.
3. Add video effects. Click “Video Effects” on the left side of the window. Drag what effect you want and put it the star in the corner of the Clip.
4. Add transitions. Select the “View Video Transitions” from the left panel. Drag them down to the “Storyboard”, but put them in the middle box. You can view the transitions by clicking on them and watching them on the screen to the left.
5. Add music or cut short the clips by clicking the “Timeline” also at the bottom of the screen.
6. When you want to cut some time from the Clip, click the half triangle at the side of the clip, and then you can move how long you want the scene.
7. Mute the camera if you're going to make a music video; you don’t want anyone to hear that part, just the music. Then, go to “Import Audio or Music” select a song. Then drag it down to the “TimeLine” You can also cut time or make a short sound from clicking the triangle and dragging to make it as long as you want, you can have just one word, chorus or just the whole song.
8. Add title or credits by clicking on the appropriate link on the left panel. To add credits, there is a big empty bar on the form; you should put either the title of the movie, or credits. The left side of the form should go positions, like Director, or Producer, or the character. Then, the right side, will be the names of the people that play or direct in their position.
9. Click the view “timeline” and you should see the time line with the song, the title, the clips, and the effects and transitions. Then, you can view the movie that you have created by pressing play on the left panel with the screen.
10. If you are satisfied, click “Save to my computer” or if you have a CD/DVD you could also save it to that, and it should again, take a few moments to save, then you are done with your movie.
I hope that this tutorial helped you. As you can see using Windows Moviemaker is not as daunting of a task as one might seem, but yet a rather enjoyable one. The uses of Moviemaker are endless and with just a few simple actions, anyone can be a "Movie Maker"!
References:
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Windows-Movie-Maker
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/getstarted/default.mspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZXK68NS7gU
IMG: http://res1.windows.microsoft.com/resbox/en/Windows%20Vista/Main/7/e/7e489880-f28c-44a4-9e36-35cc2d870427/7e489880-f28c-44a4-9e36-35cc2d870427.png
Leah K. Job Interview Tips
Job interviewing never seems to get any easier, even when you have done more than you can count on your fingers and toes. Meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills is always an intimidating process. These are the basic interview tips one should always be well acquainted with before that big day.
1. Network
The first thing you need to do is to network to get that interview. Knowing someone personally can go a lot farther than filling out an application. Start asking your professors now for potential job resources. Be sure to network in a good way, also. Jessica Taylor, one of the blog team writers may have said too much one day when she made it clear to some family members how much she did not like her friend’s new girlfriend. Turns out the people she was telling this to were related to the new girlfriend. When meeting new people, always remember you might run into them in the workplace someday!
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
Employers often ask similar questions in their field to potential employees. A simple google search of “common interview questions in the field of _______” can yield some potential questions to practice on. Jobsearch.about.com has a list of common interview questions.
For example, if you were preparing for a management position interview, you should meet with your management professor for some helpful tips. '
3. Interview Attire
The nature of the attire is heavily weighted on the position. Assuming that the interview is for a professional position, dress should be appropriate. Tattoos should be hidden, no matter what the company dress code is. Nail polish should be removed or only light colors and not chipped.
If you look sloppy, the employer will think your work is sloppy also.
4. Stay Calm
Be sure to maintain constant eye contact with your employer. If you mess up your words (it happens to everyone) don’t worry. Take a few seconds to regroup your thoughts and move on. The employer will know you are nervous, just try your best to be confident.
5. Show what you know
This is your time to shine, show your personality. Relate your accomplishments to how it will contribute to the company.
6. Stay focused and on target
One of our blog team members, Takamasa Yanai, had a story where a friend of his went for an interview with an African American employer. His friend decided to talk about her history of Africa with her potential employer. After no call back, one could assume that it is best to stay focused and talk about only what you can bring to the table career wise. Employers may not have a lot of time, so be sure to get all of the important things out about yourself.
7. Follow up
Always send a thank you letter for the time the employer spent with you and to reiterate the interest you have. Share a short blurb in the letter on what contributions you can make to the company.
http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/jobinterviewtip.htm
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUtE1d2fGkY
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Tips on How to Write Persuasively by Takamasa Y.
No matter what kind of writing you are doing you always want to get your point across and persuade the reader towards your opinion. According to dictionary.com, the word persuade means to prevail on (a person) to do something, as by advising or urging; convince.Here are some tips on how to write persuasively:
· As the writer, you should always state your opinion or belief. Your topic will be the subject that you would like your readers to take position on. Know as much information about your topic. Your reader most likely will not be persuaded by your writing if you are not familiar with your topic. For example, your opinion is, I am going to convince you that soda is not the best drink for your child.
· You need to find out as much information about the audience you are writing to. If you do not know the reader you most likely will not persuade them. With the soda example, if your reader does not drink soda, they may see no point in reading about your opinion. Another point is, if your reader does not even have any children, they may not really care if soda is bad for a child. There are so many different things to take into consideration for your audience. Whatever you do you definitely do not want to offend your reader.
· Using expert advice or even important people who think the same way can help your argument. For example: President Obama thinks that kids drink way too much soda and it is not healthy.
· State factual information to back up your opinion. For example: An 8 oz bottle of cherry coke has 104 calories.
· Writing and affecting the emotion or feelings of the reader can absolutely persuade them. If you really put your own emotion and enthusiasm into your writing, the reader will be able to feel it. Your reader will be able to tell if you are or are not interested in your topic.
· Trust trust trust. If the reader trusts you they will most likely be persuaded towards your opinion. For example if you are writing about the effects soda has towards child obesity, you can maybe mention that your child drinks way too much soda and has weight issues. This makes you seem “human” to them if you relate a personal experience.
· At some point explain the conflicting point of view to your view. Find facts will help you. This will give you the opportunity to explain why your opinion is better and why you disagree with the opposing opinion.
References:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/persuade
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/obama-sin-tax
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000991.shtml
http://www.americanchiropractic.net/general_%20interest/Statistics%20and%20Dangers%20of%20Soda%20.pdf
http://www.caloriesindrinks.com/cid/drinks_view.cfm/drink/cherry-coke/id/7/
http://www.thewritingsite.org/resources/genre/persuasive.asp
http://www.ehow.com/how_2122369_write-persuasively.html
· As the writer, you should always state your opinion or belief. Your topic will be the subject that you would like your readers to take position on. Know as much information about your topic. Your reader most likely will not be persuaded by your writing if you are not familiar with your topic. For example, your opinion is, I am going to convince you that soda is not the best drink for your child.
· You need to find out as much information about the audience you are writing to. If you do not know the reader you most likely will not persuade them. With the soda example, if your reader does not drink soda, they may see no point in reading about your opinion. Another point is, if your reader does not even have any children, they may not really care if soda is bad for a child. There are so many different things to take into consideration for your audience. Whatever you do you definitely do not want to offend your reader.
· Using expert advice or even important people who think the same way can help your argument. For example: President Obama thinks that kids drink way too much soda and it is not healthy.
· State factual information to back up your opinion. For example: An 8 oz bottle of cherry coke has 104 calories.
· Writing and affecting the emotion or feelings of the reader can absolutely persuade them. If you really put your own emotion and enthusiasm into your writing, the reader will be able to feel it. Your reader will be able to tell if you are or are not interested in your topic.
· Trust trust trust. If the reader trusts you they will most likely be persuaded towards your opinion. For example if you are writing about the effects soda has towards child obesity, you can maybe mention that your child drinks way too much soda and has weight issues. This makes you seem “human” to them if you relate a personal experience.
· At some point explain the conflicting point of view to your view. Find facts will help you. This will give you the opportunity to explain why your opinion is better and why you disagree with the opposing opinion.
References:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/persuade
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/obama-sin-tax
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000991.shtml
http://www.americanchiropractic.net/general_%20interest/Statistics%20and%20Dangers%20of%20Soda%20.pdf
http://www.caloriesindrinks.com/cid/drinks_view.cfm/drink/cherry-coke/id/7/
http://www.thewritingsite.org/resources/genre/persuasive.asp
http://www.ehow.com/how_2122369_write-persuasively.html
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