This is similar to what I do before each tech. writing course we give here. We run orientation sessions for people who are interested. Someone usually asks if tech. writing isn't the most boring job...or something like that.
So what I usually do is bring some hi tech thing in...or even a picture of something. I recently documented a huge truck that created water from air. It's really cool - made in Israel and driving around India now...it has showers and sinks built-in - really cool. This last time, I had a small device designed for police undercover work. I showed them the tiny camera - built into a regular shirt button, etc. etc. Another time, I took a different unit from the same company and had it record the people walking into the room. I've used similar things to show the interesting things we do. That pulls the interest right away - then I talk about what we document (i.e. everything - hardware, software, toasters...it all comes with instructions). From there - I go into what we do, the tools we use and the aspects of our personalities that are important to be a technical writer - curiousity, quick learner, ability to interact with people, etc. etc. HTH, Paula Jones, Donna wrote: >>That's an interesting point, Jim! I certainly know why this career is >>satisfying to me (independent work, variety, challenging, love >>explaining things and helping people do their jobs better). What do >>others find satistying about Technical Writing as a career? >> >> > > >Primarily the variety. I love that there's always something new to >learn. It could be software for doing my job. It could be hardware or >software that I need to document. It could be a totally new skill like >drawing using a computer (not easy when you're not much of an artist to >begin with!). The variety isn't necessarily what drew me to tech >writing, but it's what's kept me here and made me realize that I chose >the right career. > >Donna > >- CONFIDENTIAL- >This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential, and may also be >legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not >review, use, copy, or distribute this message. If you receive this email in >error, please notify the sender immediately by reply email and then delete >this email. > >_______________________________________________ > >Are you a Help Authoring Trainer or Consultant? Let clients find you at >www.HAT.Matrix.com, the searchable HAT database based on Char James-Tanny's >HAT Comparison Matrix. Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] for details. > > >Interested in Interactive 3D Documentation? Get the scoop at >http://www.doc-u-motion.com -- your 3D documentation community. >_______________________________________________ > >Technical Communication Professionals > >To post a message to the list, send an email to [email protected] > >To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com > >or, via email, send a blank message [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >Visit the TCP site at http://www.techcommpros.com > >To find out more about the list, including archives and your account options, >visit http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com > >If you need assistance with the list, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > > _______________________________________________ Are you a Help Authoring Trainer or Consultant? Let clients find you at www.HAT.Matrix.com, the searchable HAT database based on Char James-Tanny's HAT Comparison Matrix. Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] for details. Interested in Interactive 3D Documentation? Get the scoop at http://www.doc-u-motion.com -- your 3D documentation community. _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals To post a message to the list, send an email to [email protected] To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com or, via email, send a blank message [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit the TCP site at http://www.techcommpros.com To find out more about the list, including archives and your account options, visit http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com If you need assistance with the list, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
