Media and Technical Writing Objective: By the end of this PowerPoint, you will be able to identify the vocabulary for technical writing and be able to implement technical writing skills in your projects.

What is Media From the Latin “medius” meaning “middle,” Media is the form or technology used for passing information. Media creates a bridge that makes the transfer of ideas and information easier. Mass media refers to media that is chosen to reach large numbers of people.

Types of Mass Media Television (cable, network, satellite, etc.) Radio Film & Video  Print (newspapers, magazines, direct mail, etc.)  Photography  Electronic (E-mail, the Web, etc.) 

Genre and Target Audiences Informative media - such as news shows, newspapers, informative Web sites, etc. educational media - such as books, educational video, or educational software programs. persuasive media - such as all types of advertising, television infomercials, newspaper editorials, or Web sites that attempt to persuade. entertainment media - such as entertainment magazines, movies, novels or entertainment related Web sites All media work to identify specific groups as target audiences. These are groups of people who are most likely to be receptive to a particular type of program, movie, article, idea, genre, etc. 

Credibility Assessing credibility is not the identification of facts and truths. Mass media may be used to persuade or sway an opinion. You should be aware of the credibility of your information sources. A number of factors contribute to being a "credible" source of information. Some important criteria you can use when assessing the credibility of information received from mass media are:* Objectivity and Bias Accessibility Freedom to Report Currency Relative Expertise

How visual media is used Camera Angles Music Artistic Interpretation

Camera Angles Eye-Level This is the most common view, being the real-world angle that we are all used to. It shows subjects as we would expect to see them in real life. It is a fairly neutral shot. High Angle A high angle shows the subject from above, i.e. the camera is angled down towards the subject. This has the effect of diminishing the subject, making them appear less powerful, less significant or even submissive. Low Angle This shows the subject from below, giving them the impression of being more powerful or dominant. Bird's Eye The scene is shown from directly above. This is a completely different and somewhat unnatural point of view which can be used for dramatic effect or for showing a different spatial perspective. In drama it can be used to show the positions and motions of different characters and objects, enabling the viewer to see things the characters can't. The bird's-eye view is also very useful in sports, documentaries, etc. Slanted Also known as a dutch tilt, this is where the camera is purposely tilted to one side so the horizon is on an angle. This creates an interesting and dramatic effect

Music Intensify or relax the pace of the film Create atmosphere of time and plac Hit the action Provide insight into a scene To create “unspoken” thoughts of a character or unseen implications of a situation Play against the Action – Stress the Psychological Subtext or Emotions Go beyond the action - reflect emotion Speed up or slow down scenes Neutral background filler Deceive the Viewer

Artistic Interpretation Special Effects (SFX) Graphic Designers Artistic Fonts Cartoon or Drawings Storyboards

Five Traits of Technical Writing Clarity: The ultimate goal of effective technical writing is to say the same thing to multiple readers! Consciousness: Successful technical writing should help the reader understand the text, not present challenges to understanding. Accessible Document Design: The way the text looks on paper, including highlighting techniques (tables, headings and subheadings, different font sizes, column lines, and white space) helps create access to the reader. Audience Recognition: Successful technical writers know that they can only achieve clarity by recognizing their audiences. Accuracy: PROOFREAD

Types of Technical Writing Letters Memos Reports The Job Search Brochures Newsletters Fliers Graphics PowerPoint Presentations

Letters Return address address of letter writer. First and last name, address, city, state and zip code. The date Inside address of recipient (who you are writing the letter to) First and last name, title, Company, address, city, state and zip code. Salutation If the person is not a friend, write Dear Mr. Smith. If the person is a friend, you may say Dear Sally. Body of Letter this is the purpose of the letter. Should be clear and concise, with more than one paragraph. Closing sincerely, or best regards, yours truly, etc Space for a handwritten signature Typed name of writer

INTEROFFICE ANNOUNCEMENT Memos Header: The header gives information about the author, the intended recipient, the subject, the date, and the names of other people who may see the memo (cc). Title Subtitle Heading Subheading From: Miranda To: Students Date: 9/7/2012 CC: all classes INTEROFFICE ANNOUNCEMENT Changes to Payroll Departments Affected Fincance Department