1. Amanda Kaster
English 3980-852
Amber Welch
2016 August 23
Reflection Paper
Technical writing is the new method of communication for the 21st century. E-mail is
one of the main forms of communication for businesses today. Technical writing skills can
effect one from obtaining a position in the career they desire. “A poll by the National
Association of Manufacturers stated that poor reading or writing skills prevent 32 percent of
entry-level applicants from being hired; poor oral skills prevent 18 percent from being hired” (5).
Using this information, it is critical to be able to communicate accurately.
Poor technical writing skills can be very hard on individuals, I personally have rain into
some situations due to poor technical writing abilities. In my past experience, I was assertive in
obtaining an FRG Leader position for the military. This position is the “go to person” for all
military, their families, and also in charge of organizing meetings and activities. The leader must
be able to communicate through emails to families, soldiers and most importantly the Chain of
Command. I was very excited and lucky to be the first 18 year old to attain this special
employment! With receiving the spot I wanted, I was told I need to really work and practice on
my technical communication because of how important it is to the FRG. With this as my first
professional job in using technical communication, my first few months of emails were not very

2. virtuous. Even so, using practice and asking questions I have learned and grown to becoming
better at communicating online.
With my improvement, I have been able to succeed in being an FRG Leader and have
held this position for four years today. Yet, there is still so much more to learn! For example,
being able to change ones writing to create a better understanding for the reader. This is very
important and the reason being, culture. “Anthropologist John Bodley says culture involves what
people think, what people do, and the materials products they produce” (41). Understanding the
importance of culture in technical writing; individuals will be able to improve on changing
online communication methods for different cultures and those with disabilities. As my
professional life progresses to upper level positions, I plan to use the information I learn to
progress and properly address specific audiences. Taking a technical communications course will
help prepare myself to respond to challenging professional emails and accurately communicate
with others of different diversities. Always remember, “All workplace professionals are part of a
national culture as well as an organizational culture, they all have personal influences the way in
which they participate in, contribute to, and react to these cultures” (62).