R E S P E C T

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• R E S P E C T

(Just a Little Bit)
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How the Technical Writer Gains Respect in a
Business Environment
By Joy Holster English 6715
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Just a Little Bit

• In her classic 1960s soul anthem, Aretha
  Franklin begged for just a little bit of
  respect.
• Will you be pleading for it as well?

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You Got the Job!

• Your résumé was impressive.
• You aced the interview.
• You landed your first real job, as technical
  writer for a major software development firm.
• Will your new co-workers be dazzled by your
  outstanding grade point average?
• Will your hard-earned technological savvy earn
  you instant respect in your new office
  environment?

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Dont Count on it.

• Technical communicators indicate that earning
  respect in the business world requires more than
  writing skill and technological know-how.
• In Writing a Professional Life Stories of
  Technical Communicators On and Off the Job,
  Gerald J. Savage and Dale L. Sullivan, editors.

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What Works?

• What makes you stand out from the pack?

According to the professionals in Writing a
Professional Life, the following attributes will
help the technical communicator earn respect
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Flexibility

• Be willing to bend. In business, your way is not
  the only way.
• Anticipate and graciously accept last minute
  changes to your work.
• Adapt to your environment. Tattered jeans are out
  of place in a sea of suits and ties.

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Accountability

• Be an advocate for your readers. Assert yourself
  on their behalf.
• Admit your limitations. If you dont know, dont
  try to fake it.
• Own up to mistakes. The mouse didnt do it.

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Diligence

• Prepare to spend untold hours learning new
  technology.
• Ask questions if you dont understand.
• Insist on comprehension. You have to know it well
  to explain it well.
• Persevere in getting the cooperation you need
  from co-workers.

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Collaboration

• Be a team player. Interact with others to get the
  job done.
• Cultivate alliances with co-workers you trust.
• Build relationships at all levels within the
  organization.
• Develop effective techniques for communicating
  with subject matter experts.

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Self-Confidence

• Resolve conflicts in a professional manner.
• Be assertive. Stand up for your viewpoint on
  important issues.
• Have faith in your abilities and your value to
  the organization.

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If You Want Respect
In the business environment . . .
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Add to Your Credentials

• Flexibility
• Accountability
• Diligence
• Collaboration
• Self-Confidence

For just a little bit of . . .
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R E S P E C T
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Acknowledgements

• Respect, by Aretha Franklin, from CD entitled
  I Never Loved a Man The Way I Love You,
  Atlantic Recording Corporation, manufactured by
  Rhino Records, 1967 and 1995.
• PowerPoint backgrounds downloaded from
  www.howtoconquertheworld.com.
• Presentation photos downloaded from
  www.presentersuniversity.com and
  www.webshots.com.