One aspect about this class was the incorporation of storytelling. I really enjoyed the short Vimeo movie "I wish to say". I always thought technical as a "get to the point" word , but being in this class i learned  its about how well you present your message to the viewer. Storytelling is a perfect way to connect with the viewer or reader. I loved Sheryl's storytelling and how she came up with this creative idea and how she executed it. I really enjoyed the people's response in the movie. I feel this country is super frustrated and feel their voice isn't being heard and this creative idea let the public voice their opinion. I applaud Sheryl on her storytelling technique because it captivated me right from the beginning. It may also have helped that I am obsessed with politics. Very much would recommend to a friend.

Reframing:

1. Over the course of the class my view of technical writing has changed from business like papers to just simply being able to convey your message or idea effectively. Whether it be a webpage to a book, any person who efficiently portrays their ideas are effective technical communicators. I know its exact definition is to covey scientific, engineering, and technical information, but as were going through class, I am learning there are many ways to relate that information such as storytelling.

2. Storytelling has an element most humans react the most to: Emotions! Storytelling could help connect the reader more to the message or idea. There are many examples for writers using stories to get their point across because it puts their ideas into an example. People respond to storytelling more because its interesting and captivates them. Instead of being all serious with technical writing, a writer could insert a story to intrigue and relate to the readers. Plus everyone loves stories!

3. Like stated before, storytelling very much relates to the readers more and gives a softer tone. When the commands sound very authoritative, people may respond in defense or simply just not understand. With a storytelling viewpoint, the tone is less harsh and makes the reader at ease. People could better understand it because storytelling connects the concept with examples.

4.I believe present and deliver are the most important for a technical communicator because the way you present the information is vital. The campus signage project taught us that the placement of everything matters in posters and signs. Also the way people present their ideas really can have an impact on how people will absorb the information. If you are very enthusiastic about your idea, that energy will rub off on the crowd and then they will be hyped up. If your very monotone and unenthusiastic, the crowd will most likely shut you out. It’s all about delivery and presentation. One could be talking about Styrofoam, but if they know effective ways of communicating it, people will be intrigued. If you ask me the business world needs some of this storytelling.

The original design: The poster was very bland and had no motivational spirit to it



The final design: The Silhouette gives it a fierce look and a sense of spirit

All the information can be put in a QR code and the information will pop right up on your phone instead of having to go on the website.

PG 16 Exercise #1

When viewing Northern Illinois University website, I found they achieve technical communication skills through their clarity, accessibility, and professional appearance. On the first page there are links to events on campus and links to most visited pages on the website. The page isn’t cluttered with too many tabs and is very simple in creativity. The simplicity helps the professional appearance aspect and doesn’t bombard the viewer. In the center of the page are some students and pictures of the campus. People are very drawn to photos and is a good advertisement opportunity to show off the facility.

As you venture farther into the website, you will see there are tabs that link to other pages. The tabs are very general but are the most visited parts of the site. For any specific questions, the viewer can utilize their search bar. For me websites with search bars are kings of accessibility because I don’t want to go through every page to find what I’m looking for. I want fast access. Along with accessibility, As soon as you type NIU, the schools main website pops up which.

As for clarity, NIU website gets straight the the point and uses simple words. For many international students or non-English speaking people, this could help them better navigate the website. Each page is very well detailed and clear on their points. There is no unnecessary information on the pages.

The NIU website is very professional but seems to have character to it. It is very orientated towards teens and college kids. There are social media links and information on current students.

All together NIU website has effective technical communication skills and entices people to explore it more.

Human Flow reflection

Reflection on Human Flow

The very first scene of this documentary starts with a drone flying over a raft filled with people in an open Sea. To me that was shocking considering how many people were in there and how flimsy the raft looked. Luckily those people where spotted by a humanitarian organization who were on the look out for incoming refugee boats. After getting those people on land, many looked just weak and sick and in no condition to keep going but they did. One of the Helpers said that these refugees were lucky to have gotten to shore because many die in the sea trying to land in Greece. This was truly sad for me because I have heard news reports of thousands of refugees dying in the sea and I guess its different when you actually see footage of the refugees landing. Almost gives you a sense of relief when they touch land but that’s just the beginning of their journey.

 Ai Weiwei documents refugees journey and struggles trying to get to safety. He goes to visit many refugee camps. My initial response to seeing their living conditions was disgusted. No human should have to endure that living condition. I admire the documentary’s stance. It didn’t preach, it didn’t shame, it just simply showed you and let the viewer create their own opinions. Not only did Ai, the director, show the gloom side of everything, he showed the beauty in these refugees. He showed they were still people who cried, sang, danced, and laughed. He never once told anyone they should be ashamed of themselves but rather showed them the lives of the refugees. I commended Ai for that because he wasn’t pushing his propaganda, just simple showed the facts and stories of real people.  I think the worst part of watching was seeing how these countries so easily disregarded human life. This is all a political game to them and they don’t see the refugees as humans but more of a nuisance. In one part of the documentary, some police were burning the tents and forcing the refugees to leave the country. Another thing that interested me was that there a lot more refugees then we think. For instance, I had no idea about the “ethic cleansing” of Rohingya people in Myanmar.  Everyone is focused on Syrian refugees but don’t know about the refugees coming from Africa, Lebanon, and Myanmar. I definitely would recommend this documentary to friends because it teaches you the importance of life and to give thanks to what you have. Ai Weiwei did an amazing job of portraying the seriousness of this crisis and I believe  politicians should watch this.