Technical and Professional Communications 12
Who Said That?
Immunologist
You've all heard the expression "consider the source." People say it when they want you to weigh the reliability of the source against the information itself. When it comes to medical research, citing sources is imperative. This allows the reader to assess the value of the information. It also allows readers to find the source themselves. Finally, documentation gives credit where credit is due. Do some research on documentation, and then apply what you've learned.
The Shortest Distance Between Two Points
Mechanical Drafter Designer
The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. This is a mathematical truth, yet can be applied to communication as well. One might say that the most effective way of communicating between two people is to be direct. Brush up on your editing skills and write a memo in this lesson.
Cornering the Information Market
Market Analyst
If you had a million dollars to invest, how would you decide where to invest it? Would you do some research first or would you give it to the first person who said they'd take it? Learn about various sources of information and what makes each effective.
Tell it like it is
Athlete
Everyone likes to hear a good speech, especially if it's from a hero. Athletes command a position of respect in our society, and the best ones use it as an opportunity to inspire everyone to reach for the stars. Learn how to give a great speech using the CMAP strategy.
Tune Up Your Listening and Speaking Skills
Piano Repair Technician
Are you a good listener? Are you a good speaker? Learn how a piano repair technician uses communication skills to explain the art of piano tuning to customers. Then apply the same techniques to improve your own listening and speaking skills.
The Plan It! Planet
Event Planner
There's more to planning the perfect party than meets the eye. Have you ever wanted to put on your own party, be it a backyard barbecue or something more formal? With a bit of research, brainstorming and organizing, you can plan any event. Learn how the professionals plan an event and build your own planning checklist to use over and over again.
Helping Others Hear
Audiologist
When you tell a friend "I hear you," you mean that you hear them and understand what they're saying. What happens if your friend can't hear you because of a hearing impairment? Research technology's answers to that problem. Also, learn how to ensure that everyone "hears" you when you've got something to say.
Sink or Swim
Lifeguard
Nearly everyone loves to play in the water. The people who really love the water become lifeguards. Once you're a lifeguard, however, you've got to ensure the safety of the people who come to your pool. Learn how to tailor your safety message to your pool patrons.
Tee Time
Golf Club Pro
So, you want a job where you get to play outside all day? You might consider being a golf club pro, that is, if you communicate as well as you golf. Get your students to plan their presentations using an effective strategy known as CMAP.
How does a Quark Wark?
Nuclear and Particle Physicist
If you know anything about the World Wide Web, you know that it was nuclear and particle physicists who invented it. In this lesson, your students will learn more about the Web and other Internet tools, and how to use these tools effectively no matter what their career decisions.
Build It Up, Trim It Down
Sportscaster
What made Howard Cosell such a great sportscaster? Was it his ability to "tell it like it is?" Your students too can become sportscasters and tell it like it is. They'll turn box sports scores into brief but exciting sports reports. The "father of sports journalism" died in 1995, but his legacy lives on.
Ups and Downs
Roller Coaster Designer
You may understand complex scientific concepts like Newton's laws of motion, but have you tried to explain them to anyone lately? Turn your students into members of a roller coaster design team. Soon they'll be interpreting technical drawings and explaining their findings to a prospective client.
Will it Fly?
Aerospace Engineer
Get your students working at hypersonic speed! This lesson plan will have students editing a technical document on hypersonic flight for use as a press release. Will it fly? They'll be the judge!
