Chapter 11-Practical Writing
Multimodal Writing
Multimodal writing is perhaps the most relevant form of writing, as it is one that you will use in both your education and career. You may be wondering what multimodal writing is. It simply combines multiple text forms. For example, creating a Powerpoint is a form of multimodal writing. You combine writing skills, often in a visual format, and then you present it in some type of verbal form. As you can imagine, this is a skill most people use frequently in their careers. You will rarely be asked to write an essay in a professional setting, but you will likely be encouraged to make presentations using some type of visual aid.
Types of Multimodal writing might include slide presentations, social media posts, podcasts, short-form videos, and many more.
Here are some considerations to remember when creating a multimodal presentation.
- Don’t read to your audience directly from your presentation. Although this is considered acceptable in some cultures, it is considered poor etiquette in the U.S.
- Use short words and key phrases.
- Incorporate pictures and other visuals instead of text when possible.
- Avoid creating visuals that are too “busy.”
- One slide = one message.
- No more than six points per slide.
- Use contrast to draw attention to key points (see video for details).
Watch this excellent, informative, and humorous TED Talk for further explanation.
Professional Emails
Sending a professional email is another area that is extremely important in both college and career. The primary way that you communicate with your professors and, one day, colleagues, will likely include email correspondence. Professional emails include the following elements:
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Address the reader appropriately. This might include a salutation such as “Dear Dr. Helling” or “Hi Pete,” depending on the formality and context of the email.
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It is not necessary to state your name in the opening line of the email. The reader will know who sent the email when it appears in their inbox. You should, however, include your name at the end of the email.
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Phrase requests clearly and politely. Remember, it is easy for tone to be misunderstood in email.
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Allow enough time and flexibility for the reader to fulfill the request. Follow up if necessary, but only after an appropriate amount of time has passed. For example, don’t expect your professor to respond to your request within two hours. Generally, 24 hours on a weekday should be allotted for responses; more time is necessary on weekends and holidays.
- Make sure to include an informative subject line, appropriate greeting, well wishes, context and deadline, thank you, and closing.
Here is an example of a professional email:
Dear Professor Helling, (greeting)
I hope this email finds you well! (well wishes) I’m applying for the internship program through the International Institute of St. Louis. The application requests a recommendation letter from a professor in my academic field. (context) The deadline for the letter is in three weeks. (deadline) If you’re not too busy, would you be willing to write me a letter of recommendation? (request) If you are available to help, I’ll send you the format for the letter.
Thank you very much! (thanks)
Best, (closing)
Thien
Open Letters
An open letter is a form of communication that is addressed to a specific individual, group, or organization but is intended to be read by a broader audience. It is usually made public through various channels such as newspapers, magazines, websites, or social media platforms. The purpose of an open letter is to express a particular viewpoint, concern, or appeal in a transparent and accessible manner.
The tone of an open letter might be funny or sarcastic or serious and heartfelt.
Here are some common purposes of an open letter:
- Advocacy: Open letters are often used as a means of advocating for a specific cause, such as social justice, environmental issues, or political reform. By addressing the letter to a specific target, the author seeks to bring attention to the matter and generate public support or action.
- Awareness: Open letters can serve as a way to raise awareness about a particular issue or to educate the public. They may provide insight into a problem, share personal experiences, or offer expert opinions, aiming to inform and engage a wider audience.
- Criticism or Feedback: Sometimes, an open letter is written to express criticism or disappointment towards an individual, organization, or public figure. It can serve as a public platform for holding people accountable or initiating discussions on contentious topics.
- Request for Action: Open letters are often written to appeal for specific actions or changes. They can be directed at government officials, corporations, or influential individuals, urging them to take steps to address a problem, implement policy changes, or reconsider certain decisions.
- Solidarity and Support: Open letters can be written to express solidarity with a person or group facing challenges or to offer support in times of crisis. These letters aim to demonstrate collective support and rally public backing.
- Influence or Persuasion: By making their concerns or opinions public, authors of open letters hope to exert influence on public opinion or decision-making processes. They may aim to sway public sentiment, change attitudes, or even prompt policy shifts.
- Dialogue and Debate: Open letters can foster dialogue and debate by initiating conversations on important topics. They can spark discussions among different stakeholders and encourage the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and solutions.
Overall, the purpose of an open letter is to amplify a message, reach a wider audience, and generate public discourse and action on a particular issue or concern. It serves as a tool for public expression, activism, and engagement in the pursuit of change or resolution.
Here is an example of an open letter to Covid-19. What sort of tone if present in this letter?
Conversely, here is a different type of open letter; what is the tone used in this example.
Student Sample
Dear Immigrant,
Migrating to another country looking for a better life makes you a brave person.-so brave since you had leave your family behind and even your life in your home country. Although many criticize you, step on you, or discriminate against you for coming from another country, you need to think about the dreams that brought you here. I know it is not easy! You probably arrived with a slight suitcase but with your mind loaded with big dreams to fulfill.
Starting a new life in a new country can cause a major culture shock; that is why you have to mentally prepare yourself for what is coming. Although your culture may be different, you have to begin to respect and adapt to the rules of the country you
arrived in. Having appropriate behavior will lead you to have a better adaptation to your new culture. Be nice, even if someone is bad to you; remember, kill them with kindness.
Also be prepared to work hard, harder than you can ever think. Sometimes you will think that you cannot do it, but you will do it. The human instinct will push you to be stronger every time. Maybe your professional studies, degrees, Master’s, or capabilities do not count in this country. Be prepared to learn something new and open your mind because in this new country you are nobody. You just need to be humble and always be prepared to learn.
You will find extraordinary people who will help you and will reach out to you in the most difficult moments of your life. There will also be people who want to take advantage of your situation regardless of where they are from–could be people from your same country, or people that speak the same language as you, or people that are native. Anyone can become your best or worst friend. The most important thing is that you always stay strong and be clear about your goal.
You will go through difficult times. Someone from your family may call you because your grandmother, your grandfather, your dad, or mom died, and you will ask yourself why you are so far away, why you are not in that place to be able to say
goodbye and support your family. You will probably experience the worst feeling of your life.
Dear immigrant, my dearest respects to you who are still far from home fighting for your dreams and surviving no matter what happens. I hope that one day people will understand why you and I are here. I hope that one day everyone will understand that we live on the same planet and that we are people just like them. We are HUMANS too! Yes, we are humans!
Finally, I send you a lot of strength to continue this long road that you have left. As I told you, very difficult moments are going to come, but you must stay strong and always look ahead. You are brave, and I admire you.
Sincerely,
Miguel Orjuela