Topics in this Issue
How to Extract Information from Subject Matter Experts
by Diane FitzGibbon
Holiday Party, Fun, and Prizes
by Keith Albert
President's Notes and News
by Susan Becker
Chapter Member News
by Larry Pastori
|
Presented by science writer, Monya Baker, and technical writer, Andrea Fortus, November's meeting focused on medical and science writing. The presenters' enthusiasm for their work came through during their presentation, and they encouraged those who are looking for a new direction to give it a try.
Before you begin writing your article or talking to subject matter experts, thoroughly prepare yourself.
1. Assess your needs.
2. Access your sources.
3. Complete your interviews.
4. Follow-up.
One of the most time-consuming aspects of research is locating the written sources; however, conducting searches on Google and PubMed can prove to be a time-saver. The following websites can be helpful:
Spend more time preparing for your interview. Keep in mind that although you may be ready to interview your source, your source may not be ready for you, either involuntarily or purposely. Here are some useful interview techniques:
1. Live interview. This technique is best for a walk-through of the product, manual, etc. Tips: ask more questions than needed; group questions logically, sandwiching hard core questions between soft questions; interview as many people as possible—try to avoid confining yourself to the upper echelon. In the medical field, consider interviewing patients, nurses, doctors, and members of academia at all levels.
If you find it difficult to schedule an interview, try networking. For a more direct approach, follow your source out of a meeting. If your source is a smoker, accompany him or her on a “smoke break.”
2. Email. This approach is best for quick results. Tips: limit yourself to five questions, keeping them short and concise; include a deadline; send a reminder email the day of the deadline. This method is helpful when interviewing sources in other countries and different time zones, as well as sources who are not forthcoming with information.
3. Snail mail. This method is best if your source has a secretary who screens telephone calls and e-mail. Postal mail usually gets through. Make your questions concise.
Follow-up your interview with fact-checking and additional research, if necessary. Also, don't promise your source too much or send multiple follow-up questions. Remember to always express your thanks.
Diane FitzGibbon is a member of the San Francisco chapter of the STC.
Top |
