Gathering Ideas and Organizing Information

After conducting research, you will need to generate ideas and organize the collected data. Simple organizational techniques will help provide structure and direction as you prepare to compose.

Generating ideas often includes brainstorming. Brainstorming can be an effective way to produce the best ideas if it is done correctly.

Read the scenario, and then identify how the brainstorming process could be improved.

A group of eight marketing agents is asked to design the next feature on a smartphone because an existing feature is outdated. The group begins the brainstorming session at 9 a. m. by reviewing the agenda. The agenda states that the brainstorming session will last until 5 p. m. There is only one scheduled break at noon for lunch.

To improve the group’s brainstorming, the group leader should Define the problem/ stablish short brainstorming sessions/ stablish focus.

To compose simple messages, you may need only to make a scratch list of your ideas before writing. Many messages, however, may require you to make an outline to organize your thoughts.

Use the scratch list to answer the question that follows.

The Boston Hotel
High-end linens
600-thread-count sheets
Coffee maker with selected teas
Imported beer
Fresh-squeezed juices
Affordability
Food and drink
Double-thick bath towels
Silk pillowcases
Raw silk curtains with gold embellishments
$100/night four-star rooms
Free snacks, shampoo, and conditioner
Free wireless Internet
You have been asked to organize the items on the scratch list into an outline for your supervisor. What are the three major components in the preceding scratch list?

600-thread-count sheets, coffee maker with selected teas, $100/night four-star rooms

High-end linens, affordability, food and drink

Free snacks, shampoo, and conditioner; double-thick bath towels; silk pillowcases

Once you have prepared your outline, you need to put the information into an organizational pattern that you determine based on how your audience will react to your message.

Suppose you receive the following e-mail at work. Read the message, and then complete the sentence that follows.

Your report scores are due to Brian, senior project manager, by 2 p. m. on Friday. These reports don’t require a lot of time and were impeccably written last year. I know you will do a great job.

In this message, the indirect / direct organizational pattern is used.