question archive Now that you have been locating and critiquing articles and applying your knowledge of writing skills to various course assignments, it is time to shift our focus to an industry-specific topic about which you wish to write

Now that you have been locating and critiquing articles and applying your knowledge of writing skills to various course assignments, it is time to shift our focus to an industry-specific topic about which you wish to write

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Now that you have been locating and critiquing articles and applying your knowledge of writing skills to various course assignments, it is time to shift our focus to an industry-specific topic about which you wish to write. Consider what industry knowledge you already possess and how you can share that information in the form of a blog. A blog is a website or webpage that can be used to share personal or professional content with an audience. Below you will find links to some sample industry blogs. Use this information to propel your thinking and determine what industry you will use for your blog. Once you know what your industry is, identify your topic and write for that industry.

The following are blogs written by faculty in the DBA:

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

  • Apply writing skills to the development of a blog.

Background Information

Who cares about writing anymore? In a time-challenged world dominated by short and snappy, by click-bait headlines and Twitter streams and Instagram feeds and gifs and video and Snapchat and YOLO and LOL and #tbt…does the idea of focusing on writing seem pedantic and ordinary? Actually, writing matters more now, not less. Our online words are our emissaries…

Our writing can make us look intelligent or not so bright. It can make us seem fun, or warm, or competent, or trustworthy. But it can also make us seem humdrum or discombobulated or flat-out boring. So, you’ve got to choose your words well—and write with economy and style and honest empathy... Being able to communicate well in writing isn’t just nice; it’s necessary. (Handley, 2014, Inside Cover Jacket, para. 1–3, 4, 5)

This writing exercise further introduces you to the text written by Ann Handley (2014), titled Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content. As Nancy Duarte says about the book, “Be prepared to be delighted and to write better!” (as cited in Handley, 2014, Foreword).

Words are indeed our emissaries and ambassadors, carrying important messages for us. ‘Words are a proxy . . . a stand-in for the things that we people and we as companies want to convey to the world,’ Beth Dunn says. (as cited in Handley, 2014, p. 3)

So, the question becomes: Are you telling your story from your unique perspective, with a voice and style that’s clearly all you?  For businesses, good writing isn’t merely any tool. It’s the power tool they should be able to wield expertly, just as every respectable building contractor can use the saw he keeps in his truck.

Words matter. Your words (what you say) and style (how you say it) are the most cherished (and yet undervalued) assets. (Handley, 2014, pp. 3–4; italics added for emphasis)

Are you ready to EXPRESS YOURSELF in blogging words? This brief writing exercise provides you with a practical opportunity to advance your wordsmithing and writing style skills. Oh, and did we mention advancing APA 7e formatting skills, too?

Enjoy the exercise. Fully engage. A blog provides a wonderful platform for your writing voice—and the stage is all yours.

Instructions

  1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.  (You will notice this is a “low-points” assignment. That does not reflect the value of the assignment – it is valuable! Writing a draft and submitting it for feedback is a habit you need to form. If the assignment were worth a significant amount of points, however, you would likely focus more on the points than your craft. Research indicates students need a safe space with minimal point risk for practicing writing. This is it. Use it well. Use it wisely.)
  2. Read How to Write a Successful Blog Post(new tab).
  3. Select a topic/theme that is current and relevant to the industry you are considering for your ADP.
  4. Write a complete blog post that is current/relevant to the industry you are considering for your ADP.
  5. Complete the written assignment per the following prompts:
    1. The blog topic selection ideally will support your ADP research focus.
    2. Write the blog in keeping with the general rules identified in How to Write a Successful Blog Post.
    3. The body of the blog should be 600–650 words in length.
    4. Format the blog similar to the examples provided while noting that best practices for blogging are always encouraged.
  6. Use single line space with double-spacing between paragraphs and graphics. Format per APA for all else.
  7. Edit using the spelling and grammar checkers, including Grammarly (which can be accessed via the "Tools For Success" widget on this course's homepage). 
  8. Submit your assignment as a Word document by the end of the workshop. Along with your submission, add a note to your instructor and ask for specific feedback in at least one area beyond grammar, spelling, or APA formatting. This demonstrates your critical thinking about your own writing.

Review the associated rubric

 

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