Eric Sonstroem
English 105--Case 4--Process Explanations
Assignment Overview:
Just as your technical description broke something from your report down into
different parts, your process explanation will break a series of events down
into different steps.
Review the materials you have collected for your
technical report. Identify one process that seems central to your report topic.
Prepare a process explanation, incorporating at least one visual or
drawing.
- Assignment 1 asks for an audience analysis for this document.
- Assignments 2 and 3 ask you to draft a written version
of this process explanation.
- Assignment 4 asks you to prepare the same material
for a "poster session" oral presentation.
Assignment 1:
Your first task in preparing the
process explanation presentation is to consider the audience to whom the
information will be reported. Perform a detailed audience analysis (1-2 pages
typed) in which you identify:
- Primary reader: technical level, position in the
organization, attitude on the subject, other factors such as age,
experience, political leanings
- Secondary reader: technical level, position,
attitude on the subject, other factors
- The readers' needs: what should the reader know
after reading the document, what decisions should the reader be able to
make, how will the reader access the material.
- Scope and plan of the document: source for the
information, type(s) of graphic/visual to be include, number of copies to
produce (if it is printed). Submit the audience analysis with the process explanation draft
(Assignment 2).
Note that the first two items should be more or less the
same as what we have talked about for your final report audience. If you have
changed your mind about the primary and secondary readers, this is the time to
let me know! The last two items are specific to this assignment. That is, what
is the scope and plan for the process explanation
(not your whole final report).
Assignment 2:
Prepare a draft of the process
explanation. Your draft should attempt to accommodate the readers you analyzed
in Assignment #1. Remember that at least one visual is required for this document.
Assignment 3:
Prepare a final draft of this process explanation.
Assignment 4:
Prepare to present the same material in a
"poster session" format. You will need to explain the process, and
field questions about it. You may want to prepare several visuals for this, to
help you explain each step in the process. Also, prepare a condensed (one-page)
handout of your process to hand out at the presentation.