ENC 3250 Professional Writing: Midterm ReflectionBY DREW FENSKE

The Writing Process

When it comes to writing, teachers and professors told us to use complex vocabulary to invoke a sense of imagery to our audience.

It has been refreshing to learn about writing for real life circumstances!

The key difference in professional writing, is that it’s all about being clear and concise.

It gives a better sense of how to speak to our audiences in a professional manner.

Assignment that most helped my understanding of professional writing process: One College, One Book Committee.

This was actually my worst assignment grade to date! I was marked off points for being too wordy with my honey-do

statement. My professor was absolutely right though! I subconsciously try to produce written language that beats

around the bush. It humbled me as a writer The last analyses assignment I did I received a 25/25 on. This

assignment included a honey-do statement

Why is it important to understand the Writing Process in ENC 3250?

It is important as students to learn this material, so that we are able to write effectively. The most important aspect of writing, in my opinion, is effective communication. I have learned in this class, that clear and concise language is what will most benefit the audience and the writer.

Workplace Technology

All students are in school to find jobs. To be able to learn about different means of communication

within our future careers will be valuable. Effective workplace communication will result in a higher level of

trust and collaboration effectiveness within the workplace.

Assignment that most helped my understanding of workplace technology writing: Analysis Assignment 3

I enjoyed learning the memo format. It is very easy to follow the flow when reading. I like the fact that there is no paragraph indentation. This assignment made me feel like I have obtained a basic

understanding of how to effectively communicate using a memo format.

Why is it important to understand workplace technology in ENC 3250?

With growing means of communication, there seems to be an endless amount of ways to communicate within the workplace. Understanding the format that is appropriate for each medium, will help me to conceive inquiries or statements that contribute to overall workplace communication. In my opinion, with our world becoming digitalized, the information in chapter 2 of our Business Writer’s Companion book is the most valuable.

Design and Visuals

As a marketing major, I was very intrigued about what type of visual content might turn someone on or off.

It was interesting to read about how readers are “quick to make inferences” (The Business Writer’s Companion – page 216) due to visual design patterns you may have designed.

Reading this chapter was a sense of confirmation about the cliché term: a picture is worth a thousand words

Assignment that most helped my understanding of Design and Visuals: Analysis Assignment 3

Having the opportunity to be exposed to poorly designed websites was a good way to see first hand about design mistakes

It was an assignment that made me understand the importance of design and visual quality

Why is it important to understand Design and Visuals in ENC 3250?

Your design and visuals can affect the way readers perceive information. If a webpage is poorly designed, visuals can turn off a reader. In my opinion, if the visuals and design compliment the message you are trying to create, it can exponentially turn on a reader to your message.

Conclusion

I believe there is value in everything we have learned in this course. The three things that I mentioned however, were my personal favorites to learn about. I want to make it a priority to continue practicing these habits when writing in a business setting.

Sources

Alred, G. J., Brusaw, C. T., & Oliu, W. E. (2005). The business writer's companion. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's.