Achieve It All!  

When the opportunity arose in 1990, I purchased a franchise from the Success Motivation Institute and presented literally hundreds of workshops on goal setting. I was overjoyed at the opportunity to finally achieve all my dreams through a business such as this. I learned about goal setting and Paul Meyer's Million Dollar Personal Success Plan. I loved the idea of teaching people how to help themselves become self-motivated and achieve their goals. But, there was a problem in my dream world. In order to run a business you must sell your products or services, and I simply hated being in sales! I just wouldn't get out and ask people to buy the goal setting plan. It wasn't that I didn't believe in it, because I do! When I finally started listening to myself as I taught others how to achieve happiness, I actually used goal setting to make the decision to give up that business and go back to technical writing.

Laurent, J. Suzanna. Prodigy (2002). Presentations>Slideshows>Technical Writing>Business Communication

ACT NOW: A Six-Step Crisis Communication Strategy    

Because a crisis by nature catches people unprepared, every organization must have a crisis communication strategy firmly in place to guide those involved through the rough, uncharted waters. An effective strategy is a what I call A-C-T N-O-W: (1) Anticipate disaster before a crisis, using risk management techniques. (2) Care about people affected. (3) Tell what you know immediately. (4) Note your next steps. (5) Offer help to reinforcements. (5) Write press kits and other pieces of public information. Since crisis mismanagement can lead to the end of the company, effective preparation for a crisis may well save your company’s life.

Reimold, Cheryl. STC Proceedings (1995). Presentations>Management>Risk Communication>Crisis Communication

Advice on Designing Scientific Posters

A scientific poster is a large document that can communicate your research at a scientific meeting, and is composed of a short title, an introduction to your burning question, an overview of your trendy experimental approach, your amazing results, some insightful discussion of aforementioned results, a listing of previously published articles that are important to your research, and some brief acknowledgement of the tremendous assistance and financial support conned from others. If all text is kept to a minimum, a person could fully read your poster in under 10 minutes.

Purrington, Colin. Swarthmore College (2007). Design>Presentations>Posters>Scientific Communication

A Brief History of the Role of Technical Communication in Developing Environmental Literacy  

This paper introduces a two-part grouping of papers on “Ecological Literacy and Advocacy through Technical Communication.” Both technical communication and environmental rhetoric have historical roots in the professionalization of science and government in the late 1800s. The association of technical communication with “patrons” in industry has limited the roles of technical communicators to purveying ecological literacy within the relatively tight constraints of “risk communication.” But with the blurring of contemporary communication genres and the growth of ecological consciousness, technical communicators may follow science writers into roles more closely associated with environmental advocacy.

Killingsworth, M. Jimmie and Jacqueline S. Palmer. STC Proceedings (1998). Presentations>Scientific Communication>Environmental>Civic

Careful Scientific Writing: A Guide for the Nitpicker, the Novice, and the Nervous  

Writing scientific documentation has a unique set of caveats, pitfalls, and red flags that other types of writing do not have. The very nature of scientific writing demands the precise use of words and phrases, however, this precise usage is often discounted as being pedantic by many people. The reason for this precision is to communicate sometimes highly technical information to others who may, or may not, be as knowledgeable as the author, and who may, or may not, be a native speaker of the language in which the author is writing. To do this, accurate words and phrases must be used, especially in light of globalization and sciences that involve multiple disciplines.

Firestone, Elaine R. and Stanford B. Hooker. STC Proceedings (2001). Presentations>Scientific Communication>Editing

Communicating with International and Multinational Audiences  

Preparing technical documentation is always a challenge. The challenges in preparing technical documentation for a multinational or international audience are even greater.

Stewart, Sharon D. and Sara M. Stohl. STC Proceedings (1993). Presentations>Communication>International

A Communications Renaissance: Developing Tomorrow’s Developers  

Mathematics and computer science can be difficult subjects for the communications teacher to penetrate. In 1997, the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo initiated the development of a pilot course in communications for Mathematics and Computer Science students. This paper explores the research and discoveries that built a successful course: a definition of “numeracy” that equates with academic “literacy” as knowledge creation; perceiving the students as “end users” and doing ongoing “usability tests” during the pilot course; and using case studies as social action to empower students and envision math and technology as dynamic, socially rich fields through communications.

McKenzie, Andrea. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Education>Scientific Communication>Mathematics

Review: The Craft of Scientific Presentations: Critical Steps to Succeed and Critical Errors to Avoid  

As the word craft in the title of the book suggests, the ability to give good presentations is not a genetically linked trait but a craft that can be learned.

Armbruster, David L. Technical Communication Online (2004). Articles>Reviews>Presentations>Scientific Communication

Crossing Borders: Tips For Preparing Your Writing For Subsequent Translation  

'Going Global' is more than a buzzword -- it is the way to do business. What you write may wind up being read by someone who does not speak English. To create documentation for an international audience, we must learn to overcome the challenges faced when communicating with people who speak languages other than our own.

Rimalower, George P. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Business Communication

Effective Presentations

An essential aspect of any research project is dissemination of the findings arising from the study. The most common ways to make others aware of your work is by publishing the results in a journal article, or by giving an oral or poster presentation (often at a regional or national meeting). While efforts are made to teach the elements of writing a journal article in many graduate school curricula, much less attention is paid to teaching those skills necessary to develop a good oral or poster presentation - even though these arguably are the most common and most rapid ways to disseminate new findings. In addition, the skills needed to prepare an oral presentation can be used in a variety of other settings - such as preparing a seminar in graduate school, organizing a dissertaton defense, conducting a job interview seminar, or even addressing potential philanthropic sources!

University of Kansas. Articles>Presentations>Rhetoric>Scientific Communication

Environmental Design Matters  

Each of us has some opportunity to make the environment part of our consideration when designing technical communication. The environment is not something “out there” beyond our concern or our ability to respond. Rather it is a part of our everyday life and can be a part of our everyday decision making process. This paper explores how environmental considerations can and should be a part of design matters in technical communication. The paper elaborates a set of environmental guidelines that can be used by professionals working in the field and made a part of technical communication teaching. Even small changes can make a difference. Environmental design matters!

Gordon, Myra. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Scientific Communication>Environmental

Global Communication: Building a Bridge between Ohio and Japan  

In 1999, an alliance was formed between the Central Ohio and Tokyo Chapters. This unique relationship, the only STC sister chapter, was based on the desire to share information about our profession, our industries, and our cultures. This presentation addresses the challenges and rewards we discovered in forging this globe-crossing bond.

Kauppi, Michael, Brenda McGuire, Laura Modisette and Sue Wolford. STC Proceedings (2001). Presentations>Communication>Regional>Japan

Hazard Communication 101 for Technical Writers  

Hazard communication should help protect users of products, and by doing so, should help protect manufacturers from litigation. Writers of user documentation need to understand some basic product liability legal concepts, such as: duty to warn, open and obvious doctrine, hidden hazard, andforeseeable misuse. The communication aspect of hazard communication considers issues such as visibility, over-warning, and testing effectiveness. For guidance in writing warnings, there is a current standard which proscribes these elements: safety alert symbol, signal word, hazard, avoidance, and consequence. This paper ends with a list of resources for further study.

Manning, Michael D. STC Proceedings (1997). Presentations>Communication>Risk Communication

Health and Safety Information for Specialized Vocational Audiences  

Using examples from commercial fishing and farming, this article shows how models of health beliefs and risk communication can inform the creation of health and safety materials and campaigns for specialized vocational audiences. These models state that risk communication efforts must balance strong statements of risk with equally strong statements of ways to reduce or avoid risk if they are to motivate change. Audience research can help communicators address attitudes that impair workers’ perceptions of risk, as well as workplace practices, norms, and conditions that the limit the methods that can be used to reduce risk.

Freeman, Krisandra S. STC Proceedings (2001). Presentations>Communication>Scientific Communication>Risk Communication

Insights on the Poster Preparation and Presentation Process    

Dissemination of research findings and effective clinical innovations is key to the growth and development of the nursing profession. Several avenues exist for the dissemination of information. One forum for communication that has gained increased recognition over the past decade is the poster presentation. Poster presentations are often a significant part of regional, national, and international nursing conferences. Although posters are frequently used to disseminate information to the nursing community, little is reported about actual poster presenters' experiences with preparation and presentation of their posters. The purpose of this article is to present insights derived from information shared by poster presenters regarding the poster preparation and presentation process. Such insights derived from the personal experiences of poster presenters may assist others to efficiently and effectively prepare and present scholarly posters that disseminate information to the nursing community.

Weaver Moore, Linda, Phyllis Augspurger, Margaret O'Brien King and Charlotte Proffitt. Applied Nursing Research (2001). Design>Presentations>Posters>Scientific Communication

Integrated Strategic Communication: More than the Sum of Its Parts  

Adopting a hybrid organizational structure over 30 years ago has permitted the Communications Department of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control-Orlando to evolve new capabilities and undertake new missions. The result has been an independent organization that proactively responds to business opportunities, strategically applies numerous resources, and adds new skill sets that help Missiles and Fire Control capture and retain military contracts.

Voss, Daniel W. and William C. Wiese. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Business Communication

Interactive Media to Communicate Environmental Research Findings  

An emerging body of research suggests that interactive multimedia presentation technologies offer unique advantages for technology transfer and training programs. A research and development team is evaluating this claim by developing and testing an interactive multimedia tutorial on a complex environmental research topic: in-situ capping of contaminated sediments. A World Wide Web site has been created using text and animations to illustrate basic processes about capping technology. The tutorial’s effectiveness will be tested through evaluations of subject-matter experts and end users. Supplemental technical information will be added before the site is promoted widely.

Hodges, Mark H. and William Evans. STC Proceedings (1996). Presentations>Scientific Communication>Environmental>Multimedia

Learning to Listen  

We have been given two ears and but a single mouth in order that we may hear more and talk less - Zeno of Citium, ancient philosopher. Listening is our most used communication skill, yet it is the skill that is taught the least. This paper discusses why people don’t listen and how we view those who don’t listen. The paper also covers how to actively listen and the benefits of effective listening.

Scroggs, Debbie L. STC Proceedings (1995). Presentations>Collaboration>Communication

Newsletters: Who, Me?  

Newsletters serve a vital purpose in many organizations. A formal plan is important in identifying your target readers and their needs, and guiding you through choices regarding format and style. Several factors should be considered in planning and managing content, such as creating an editorial calendar, identifying sources for story ideas, and determining the final approval process. Effective distribution will encompass the readers’ needs and your creativity. A valuable tool in assessing the newsletter’s success is reader feedback. As a marketing tool, the return on your investment can be measured. Above all, a newsletter keeps you motivated to keep learning.

Lewis, Janet L., Michele E. Davis, Linda J. Vetter and Elizabeth G. Frick. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Business Communication

On-line Information Development: How to Keep It Clear  

There are many pitfalls that await the on-line developer when constructing a web site that includes detailed and complex information. It is difficult to keep the information manageable, navigable and understandable. Charts, information 'chunking' and word maps are effective techniques of organizing complex information in a way that provides increased clarity and usability. Such techniques, commonly used with hard copy, may be modified and combined to provide concise information presentation for on-line distribution.

Mumaw, Rebecca Smith. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Business Communication

Papers and Presentations from STC India Learning Sessions

View and download papers presented at STC India's learning sessions.

STC India. Presentations>Information Design>Communication>Usability

Presentation Pointers  

This site provides tips on how to deliver a good technical presentation, both for the presenter him/herself, as well as for the content matter of the presentation. For the presenter, the note about the three Vs (Visual, Vocal and Verbal) are a must-read, and whether it is a PowerPoint presentation or a demo, the tips on how the presentation matter needs to be structured will be greatly apppreciated by any amateur/ experienced presenter.

Presentation Pointers (2000). Presentations>Technology>Communication>Business Communication

Putting the Science into Technical and Scientific Communication Classes  

Although programs and courses frequently are titled “technical and scientific communication, ” often the scientific part is shifted to the science classes many students are required to take. All technical communication students, but especially those who are targeting a career in scientific communication, should be made aware of scientific principles and practices that apply to technical communication. Educators might add information about technical proposals, empirical research reports, regulations, basic abbreviations and definitions of statistics, research methods used in the sciences, and the scientific style described in style manuals to the materials they regularly teach.

Porter, Lynnette R. STC Proceedings (1995). Presentations>Education>Scientific Communication