1. Professional Secrets

2. Tell a Story Have a beginning, middle, and end
Introduce characters (people involved, etc.) perhaps with a problem
Try to be entertaining
People can read at home
Tell a Story

3. Stories

4. Writing Prompt
Think of a story you can use to present on one of these topics:
Wearing seatbelts
The importance of class participation
Staying sober

5. Great Explications Help readers visualize what you’re talking about.
Non-Metaphorical Examples
Metaphorical Examples
Q&A Formatted Answers
Illustrations
Descriptions without examples are useless to many readers.

6. Examples by Metaphor
Always connect unfamiliar or new concepts to those already familiar to your audience.
Search for metaphors that really illustrate the concept well.

7. Conjunctions

8. Text Example Concept: Non-metaphorical Example: Metaphorical Example:
Use a semicolon with items in a list that are already separated by commas.
Non-metaphorical Example:
We visited New Orleans, Louisiana; Austin, Texas; and St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Metaphorical Example:
Think of this type of semicolon as the “Supercomma.” When ordinary commas aren’t enough, bring out the caped commander.

9. Ideas for Examples Fictional material Concrete or Applied examples
Aesop’s fables, popular stories, movies, *religious, etc.)
Concrete or Applied examples
How can you apply this concept?
Personal examples/Anecdotes
How have you personally used or related to this info?
Children/Animals
Can a story about kids or pets illustrate the point?

10. Writing Prompt
Write a metaphorical example to illustrate one or more of the following concepts:
Poor Managers…
Excellent Teachers…
Shy presenters…

11. Question & Answer
Q&A Format can be quite refreshing after reading big chunks of prose.
It can also get tiresome—don’t get carried away!
Treat Q&A like a “play” between a slightly naïve but inquisitive individual and a know-it-all.
Let questions and answers flow into one another (should be read sequentially).
Keep answers short.

12. Q&A Example
Why do I need to get my code from an adviser before registering for classes?
Because your adviser is there to discuss your options and make sure you take the right classes you need in order to graduate.
But what if I have no idea know what I want to major in?
Your adviser can talk with you about possible careers, graduate education, or majoring in general studies.

13. Writing Prompt
Write 3 questions and answers to help people understand one of the following concepts:
Preparing for a formal job interview.
Preparing for an important final exam.

14. Illustrations Illustrations support text, not substitute for it.
Provide caption.
Keep labels consistent.
Consider “eye movement” across page.

15. Right click on Image in Word
INSERT -> REFERENCE -> CAPTION

16. In Other Words Explain complicated concepts in different ways.
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with a comma without a coordinating conjunction.
In other words, you’ve got two complete sentences separated only by a comma. Just add a conjunction like “and” to fix the problem.

17. Writing Prompt
Add “in other words” to help break down one of these ideas:
When preparing for a formal job interview or a first date, dress for success. In other words…
Students who are tardy to more than three class sessions may be marked as absent by their instructors. In other words…

18. Tone Do all documents need to be written in a formal tone?
Learn to write in multiple tones for different occasions and audiences.

19. Dearest Sweetheart
Over the past few months, it has come to my attention that due to certain emotions I have been experiencing in your presence, I have become obliged to request your company for a romantic outing to the local cinema establishment and perhaps a hamburger afterwards.

20. Checklist Have you used enough examples?
Are your examples appropriate?
Did you explain difficult concepts in a variety of ways?
Did you pick the right tone?
Is your document varied, or just big clunks of text?