Discussion Assignment: Your choice and analysis of a professional writing infographic – Group G

1. Locate one example of an online infographic defining professional writing.
   
   If you’d like more information, see this attached this summary from the tech comm textbook used at Santa Fe.
   
   Topics for your infographic could include any of the following:
        • Definitions of professional writing;
        • Advice on how to create effective professional writing;
        • Examples of subtypes of professional writing (for example, writing in business, or writing in human resources);
        • Examples of specific kinds of documents within the category of professional writing (for example, email, memos, or reports).
2.  Post your items in the following order:

1. Your chosen infographic, properly cited in APA format;
2. A paragraph in which you justify your choice of infographic (Your infographic may meet the criteria for an infographic, but so do many others.  Why this one?);
3. A paragraph explaining how the infographic meets the criteria listed below (‘Basic Infographic Criteria’).

3.  After you make your initial post, post one positive comment for two of your colleagues’ posts.  

About infographics:  Use the resources here to get to know how infographics function — you can also use these resources to help you make your choice of infographics.

Infographics are graphics designed to inform audiences about something.  Unlike bar charts and pie charts, for example, infographics tend to occupy more space.  They should be able to stand alone (in other words, without further context or explanation), and they will often contain more text than charts or other types of figures. 

Basic Infographic Criteria

Effective infographics have the following qualities:

1. 1. Strive to inform audiences effectively and efficiently about their subject;
      Audience needs are central to all effective technical communication.  Infographics are built to inform audiences in an efficient way.
      
      
   2. Seek to meet audience needs ethically;
      Infographics present their information objectively, avoiding subjective views (or wording).
      
      
   3. Present their information concisely;
      In an infographic, space is at a premium, and a balance must be struck between images and text. 
      
      
   4. Make a clear claim supported with solid evidence;
      This one speaks for itself!
      
      
   5. Use correct data;
      Infographics should follow the same rigorous standards for accuracy as would any other document.  
      
      
   6. Follow conventions of design and graphics;
      An infographic should follow conventional strategies for design and graphics (including font styles and sizes, graphics styles and sizes, and appropriate criteria for different types of graphics).
      
      
   7. Can introduce humor and creativity as persuasive strategies;
      Because infographics offer unique opportunities for form and content, the creator of an infographic should seek to use strategies like humor and innovation to connect with audiences. 

Attached is a sample professional writing infographic.