1. 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.

2. 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.

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

4. 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. 

5. 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

6. How visual media is used
Camera Angles
Music
Artistic Interpretation

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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