At Simon Fraser University
I am now pursuing a dual degree in interaction design and communications. I've always been intrigued about how designs can be used to improve people's communication systems. But I wasn't sure how to go about it or where I fit in. I discovered the domains of interface authoring and content planning while looking for common ground. Aside from a few exceptions, content strategy and interface authoring are fairly similar in terms of strategic thought, research, focus, testing, and editing. Additionally, in both fields, people are informed through the use of structure, craft, and language hence my objective of using the fields in my career. (121w)
The comparison of this new statement
The comparison of this new statement and the old one show various similarities and differences concerning content and how it is delivered. First, in both statements, I stated my educational background to show a command and understanding of the topic. My ethos is improved by showing my level of education which makes a professional audience to be intrigued with the content I am presenting. I chose not to define most of the word that I have used because I was targeting a professional audience who understand the field that I am dealing with. However, I demonstrated my naivety in the area and the need to know more by stating that I “discovered” about the topic where I was confused about what field to follow. The use of the word “discovered” shows curiosity and honesty on the level of knowledge I have about the field. Lastly, I avoided the use of contractions in my statement to keep the tone more formal and professional. (162w)
Behavioral Interview Question
A good idea is a very efficient solution to a particular problem in the society. The solution being presented should be able to help and be beneficial to the people in the community. If a solution being offered can convince other individuals in the society to dedicate their resource towards the development and achievement of the objectives of the idea, then it is a good idea. There are four essential qualities of an idea which is value delivery, it should be different, doable and realistic, and lastly, it should be cost-effective. The value determines the worthiness of an idea it will deliver and how different it will approach a particular problem. Furthermore, the solution should be able to identify and solve the root cause of the problem to ensure the same problem does not arise again in future making the solution to be cost-effective to the society. The failure of a solution should not be used to prove if an idea was good or bad because it may be ahead of time for the current problem being experienced. (180w)
In my first response
In my first response, the definition of a good idea that I provided was more of a philosophical argument. The definition: “a solution to a perceived problem that I believe to be beneficial or helpful to members of society” is rational due to its target of the society. However, my second response changes the definition to incorporate the philosophical definition and the needs of a potential employer. The employer that I am persuading values solutions to every kind of problem that may limit his functioning abilities. Value addition is an important aspect of the organization in achieving its objectives hence the use of the analogy of people dedicating their resources to the ideas. I chose to state that a good idea is cost efficient and realistic because many employers tend to invest their time and resources where they are sure of getting returns. I chose to state that failure does not determine if an idea was good or bad because the idea might have failed in implementation but may have worked in preparing for future problems by identifying root cause of problems. (182w)
Exit Reflection
Understanding the needs, interest, and goals of a target audience is an important aspect in establishing stronger ethos in a document. The ability of a message to be correctly delivered lies on the writer understanding of the audience. Sharples (1999), argues that telling the truth is important in developing and communicating with the target audience. In my proposal, my objective was to show how human beings contribute to climate change and the amount of their contribution. In presenting this argument to a professional audience, I had to use several examples and documented facts such as the number of cars in the world and how they contribute to environmental pollution. The use of facts in presenting my argument makes the message being communicated to be considered truthful as there is evidence to support the claims.
Another principle of writing that is proposed by Sharples (1999) is culture and context of the writer and the reader. The context of the writer conditions the immediate resources available and wider cultural values and influences. My proposal was aimed at showing the human contribution to climate change so that it can influence humans to reduce activities that promote climate change. A professional audience can be able to understand and relate to the context of the proposal because of the use of examples that are common in every society. Lastly, Sharples (1999) suggests that a message should not only be in texts for it to be well understood. A professional audience that is the target of my proposal can understand the text that is used in the proposal. However, the use of graphs showing facts relating to my topic makes it easier and more attractive to the reader. (277w)
References
Sharples, M. (1999). How We Write: Writing as Creative Design. New York: Routlede.
