Writing Sample Reflections
For my technical description writing sample, I wanted to showcase how I can effectively explain the complicated design of a snowboard in a way that a wide audience could understand. This is a useful skill to have when delivering emails, explaining a project to the public, or speaking with coworkers. Time management and organization is a substantial concern in the industry and is a worthwhile skill to demonstrate. I learned how to research a topic that I was partially familiar with and go into finer detail while still remaining understandable to those with less informed on the equipment.
For my instruction set writing sample, I described the process of taking a film photograph. Within this project, I turn a complicated process that takes time to research and understand and condense it into a step-by-step guide that a new Canon FTb owner could follow with no prior experience. Through project, I learned how to balance precision with approachability which are essential qualities in technical communication. Writing the guide, I learned the importance of sequencing and anticipating the user’s actions or potential mistakes. I chose a friendly, encouraging voice to support beginners and reduce intimidation. This project reflects my strength and my ability to adapt to a specific audience, in this case, first-time film camera users.
For my next writing sample, the Capstone Showcase graphical poster required me to combine complex engineering concepts into a visually engaging and easily comprehensible format. Through this assignment, I improved my ability to communicate technical information effectively, a skill crucial for a civil engineer. The poster highlights my ability to organize content logically, using clear and precise language, and incorporating high-quality visuals to enhance understanding. It shows detailed project methodologies, results, and conclusions in a manner that is both professional and accessible to a diverse audience. I hope visitors to my e-portfolio recognize my conciseness and precision in technical communication, as well as my ability to convey intricate ideas through well-designed graphical elements.
I included the document redesign project in my portfolio to demonstrate my growth as a technical writer. This project involved revising a poster presentation that originally presented information in a disorganized and complex manner. Through the redesign, I focused on only the most essential information, improving both clarity and effectiveness. The revised poster emphasizes key features of a green infrastructure project addressing water quality issues and is centered around a site map to enhance visual understanding and audience engagement. This project is highly relevant to my field and showcases my ability to communicate complex environmental engineering concepts in a clear and accessible format. By comparing the original and redesigned versions, viewers can see how I applied principles of technical communication to create a more effective and user-friendly deliverable.