In your experience with writing in your field, what has most surprised you? What has been the most difficult aspect of oral communication in your work? What stands out in your mind as the most common misperception on the part of students or the public about writing in your job? What are your favorite/least favorite oral communication tasks? If you had to summarize the most important thing you've learned about writing or verbally communicating in your field, what would it be? What is your advice about writing or oral communication on the job for those of us still in college or just starting out?
Life does sound busy for you Ethan.
In my field I don't really get to write my own words, but I get to edit and improve upon others. What surprises me most is actually how many extremely well paid professionals have really poor English and grammar.
The most difficult aspect of oral communication in the past is that people just can't get to the point on the telephone. Its so frustrating to talk to someone who won't just ask me the question but wants to tell me an entire life history. Sometimes assume that the person you have looked up on the company intranet for a particular purpose can actually do their job. Get the question in your head first before wasting their time calling. I can usually tell you in 3 seconds or less whether I know the answer and if I don't, then who can. My time is valuable. Be concise. 20 seconds or less or make an appointment to talk to me via email.
Favourite oral communications - other than kissing in the stairwells?
Least favourite? Telephone.
I think I've covered the other couple of questions one way or another in my other responses. Hope that helps.
Oh yeah - Most important thing I've learnt is not every one is as impatient/busy/people-intolerant as me and to use key questions to hurry them along to the point without being rude.
