The Text Doctor's Diagnosis
October 2009 |
|
|
Greetings!
Tips in this newsletter will help you be the best writer you can be. All of us can improve our communication skills, both written and oral.
Be sure to read further to find a coupon for a free webinar on LinkedIn on Tuesday, November 24, 2009. Connections are limited and reserved for loyal readers like you; register today!
|
That's a good question!
|
|
Last week, I presented a workshop for the LoneStar chapter of STC (Society
for Technical Communication) in Dallas, Texas in which we explored how to ask
better questions. Most of us have
suffered the consequences of expensive, unasked questions in both our
professional and personal lives. Question-asking is an important skill, yet few of us ever receive formal training in the subject.
In my workshop, I teach that there
are many different types of questions that can help you get the
information you need. Here are four question types; I'll send you four more in
November.
1. Permission questions demonstrate your positive intent in asking questions. They show respect and help you build trust.
- Let me ask you...
- Could you show me how you want....?
- Can I get some more information about....
2. Open-ended questions stimulate thought and encourage continued conversation. They cannot be answered with one word or with a simple "yes-no" response.
- What items are critical to ZZZ?
- What are the risks?
- How does this subassembly fit into the overall drug delivery?
- What's that all about?
3. Closed questions elicit "yes" or "no" answers or ask for specific, verifiable facts. Once answered, this type of question may preclude further conversation without asking another question.
- Is this process currently being used?
- What is the piece price of XXX?
- What is the tolerance of YYY?
4. Catchall questions invite further information. As you listen to the answer, you might receive verification of information already placed on the table. Then again, catchall questions might elicit another viewpoint.
- Would you like to tell me anything I haven't asked you about?
- What haven't we discussed that might be relevant?
- What else is important for me to know?
Start developing your discovery skills today. Try a few of these questions to get the information you need to make good decisions or write good documents. I have found that if I ask more open-ended questions than closed questions, people give me more information. Does this work for you, too?
|
We interrupt our "Tour de Style Manuals" to bring you this great overview...
|
|
Last month, we started looking at specific style manuals that you might want to consider for purchase and adoption. I have just uploaded to my website a matrix that explores 12 style manuals. Here's what you'll learn: - Complete publication facts
- History and purpose
- Recommended use today
- Availability in online and CD formats
My coauthor, Betsy Frick, and I enjoyed collaborating on this 5-page guide, and we hope it helps you!
|
