Comparing Prose and Poetry

¶ … Technical Communication The prose and poem descriptions of fog are very different and help illuminate the differences between the two types of writing. The prose description of fog is descriptive. Not only does it explain what a fog is, which is a cloud touching the earth, but also goes on to explain how fog forms and how fog is both similar to and different from other weather conditions (Nationmaster, 2014).

In addition, it describes the impact of fog, the fact that fog is very damp, and that fog impair visibility, which can make driving conditions very difficult (Nationmaster, 2014). The poem does conveys the feeling of fog, but does not provide the same type of descriptors. The poem describes the fog as silent, and as moving "on little cat feet" (Sandburg, 1919).

This helps convey the fact that the moisture of fog helps muffle the transmission of sound, something that is missing in the definition of fog, but is true of a fog. Therefore, the poem does convey meaningful information about fog, it just does so with metaphors. The prose definition fulfills all of the characteristics of technical writing. It addresses a specific audience: people who want to know what fog is. It helps readers solve problems. In fact, the lengthy definition and description provides solutions to a number of problems.

For example, it explains what fog is and how fog is formed, but also goes on to describe some of the adaptations that people have made to help them deal with the impact of fog. Although the dictionary definition is not credited to an author, it appears to have been produced collaboratively, which is another characteristic of technical writing.

The dictionary definition does not format a document or use high-tech tools, though it is delivered in a specific format that people associate with definitions via the internet, which is a high-tech tool. Finally, the definition consists of words, which is a characteristic of technical writing.

Part 2: How I will use Technical Communication in Every Day Life It is difficult to write about how I will use technical communication in every day life, not because I think I will not use it, but because there are so many different ways that I do use it and will continue to use it. Looking at the characteristics of technical writing, the first thing I notice is that much of the writing that I already do falls under the umbrella of technical writing.

For example, writing a list for the grocery store is an example of technical writing: it is written for a specific audience, it is written to solve the problem of not having particular items on hand, and it is often written collaboratively as different people contribute things to the list. This realization made me aware that technical writing is a critical form of human communication that helps drive productivity on both personal and professional levels. Furthermore, the realization helped me come to the conclusion that technical writing is very important.

I remember writing a note for a petsitter, which gave details about how to care for our pets while we were away from home. The note was rambling and did not give the details in a concise and consistent manner. Since some of the pets were on medication, this may have been an inefficient way.