RE: Writing in the workplace (long)

[Jon Olson <jeo3@psu.edu>]

Yeah, Barry.  That's it.  Ethos. I think it's an ethos that comes from
listening to and respecting one's audience.  That's why Denise's message
really struck home, the way she asks and listens to her students.

Reminds me of a CCCC presentation years ago.  I wish I could remember who
gave it.  I think Susan Peck MacDonald was one of the presenters, and she
was excellent, but someone else--from Alaska?--did a wonderful presentation
on her research in which she videotaped faculty from across the disciplines
as they talked about what they valued in writing.  What little I've
remembered all these years later is what a payoff there was for her in
really listening to those people.  

That presentation often comes to mind when yet another faculty member
explains the importance of correct sentences. I agree completely with Eric,
who put it so well when he talked about how it isn't "whether" but rather
"how" and "when."  Yet, I wonder if I'd hear something I've missed (because
*I know better than they do*, being the "doctor"--and Steve, your medical
analogy is really helpful) if I really listened to them.  --Jon, Penn
State, jeo3@psu.edu

At 01:17 PM 5/4/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Jon--
>
>>Thanks, Barry.  You're helping me understand the rhetorical situation I
>>find so tricky:  I, the university professor, know what you need as a
>>developing writer; you, the workplace professional, think you know what you
>>need, but you're wrong.  
>
>I do believe I think you've got it.  You're now ready to be a consultant. 
> ;-)
>
>Think about it, Jon, that's what consultants really do.  While we may not 
>understand (or like) the discourse of an individual industry, we *really* 
>do know an awful lot about how to communicate effectively in writing.  
>That's *real* expertise and is worth an awful lot.
>
>I suspect the whole thing is an issue of ethos.
>
>Barry Maid
>bmmaid@ualr.edu
>
>