Reading Reflection: Chapter 7

This chapter was significant to me because I am in the process of applying for jobs in the summer. Something I learned about building a resume was not to just use the same resume for every application but to cater it to the company you are applying for. One way to do so is to use the same wording in your resume that they use in their job post. I also learned that a more powerful resume lists quantified results statements of your accomplishments instead of just your job duties. This way your future employer (hopefully) can see what your job consisted of and how well you excelled at performing the labor. 

I enjoyed learning about the PAR stories because now I can be more effective in marketing myself in interviews. I especially liked the example of how to describe our weaknesses and turn them into strengths. This could also apply to dating.

Reading Reflection: Chapter 6

This chapter explains the different methods of spreading information across an organization--whether it's by letter or email. It also explains different approaches you should take based on the type of your message. This includes bad-news letters, persuasive letters, sharing good news, offering condolences for a death, and spreading awareness of policy changes.

I will look back at this chapter often in order to know what approach to take when I am writing a professional letter. This will be comforting when I start working in a more professional organization. I will be better recognized as a responsible and diligent person if the way I communicate is educated and efficient.

A phrase, "...remember to appeal to both logic and emotion," (page 70) stood out to me. This is an important concept to remember in writing business or in any other reason for communication. As people we look at issues both with our minds and with our hearts. Some people weigh more on one or the other, so to be safe we should appeal to both as we communicate.

Reading Reflection: Chapter 5

This chapter was helpful because it takes what we have learned previously (HATS, CLOUD, etc.) and applies it to evaluating papers. This helps me see what order to use these assessments in. This way I can evaluate my papers in an organized way.

Sometimes, I feel that in order to be a good writer, I have to write a perfect paper the first draft. I like how Baker explains at the beginning that at least two drafts are needed in order to adequately express your answer to a prompt.

This was helpful for my job as a teachers assistant because I can grade papers more efficiently. I know how to evaluate the specifics of a paper--of how things are organized, content, etc. Instead of starting with the beginning reading sentence by sentence, I'll start by looking at the design. Then I will skim to see if the organization flows. Then I will go into what I do normally and look at each sentence to see if each is written and employed in the most effective way possible.

Reading Reflection: Chapter 4

This chapter talked about techniques I was already aware of. I did like how it was sectioned into the four categories: headings, art, typography, and spacing. As a teacher's assistant, headings have become invaluable to me as I try to organize students' papers. Baker's comments in Writing & Speaking for Business reiterates how headings and subheadings should be used to organize thoughts.

I heard about the rule of three's a few weeks ago but didn't know what it was--probably because I am way behind on technology-speak. The text book explained it in a way that I could understand and use it. Instagram just got better.

Lastly, I learned the difference between serif and sans serif fonts. Serif fonts are slightly fancier so that each letter can be distinguished. Sans Serif are more plain and are useful for headings. This knowledge will be useful in my writing so that it will be more presentable.

Reading Reflection: Chapter 3

I enjoyed learning about the OABC (Opening, Agenda, Body, and Closing) method because I learned how to make each section of a memorandum or paper more effective. This is brought about through a catchy opening, a concise agenda, an informative body, and a simple closing. Each of these sections play an important role; this chapter explains what those roles are and how one can write so that each section functions properly.

Often times, I will write a paper and feel that I did reasonably well, but will still be unsure if my writing was proper. Learning about CLOUD (Coherence, Length, Organization, Unity, Development) gives me confidence that for my next paper, I have a way to evaluate my paper. This way, I can see what changes need to be made to make my paper more professional, organized, and content-rich.

Lastly, as a teacher's assistant, I grade a plethora of papers. The methods introduced in chapter 3 will help me see how well papers are written. I can better evaluate the flow of content, organization, and clarity. Not only that, but I will be able to articulate to my students what they can improve on.