Thoughts about the Procedural Rhetoric Project

The Procedural Rhetoric Project really allowed me to think about instructions/directions in ways that I never had before. Both people I know (and myself) have experience working with “bad” instructions (meaning they were unclear, confusing, disorganized, etc.). I never realized just how much the design, clarity, organization, and presentation of well-established and well-written instructions can positively impact the user’s ability to follow them and complete the desired task. I predict that from now on, I will give much more thought and attention to any instructions or other forms of written (even verbal) directions that I encounter. When I review “bad” instructions, I see myself examining or finding the issues that impair myself, or the person I am with, in successfully following those directions.

            In addition to raising my awareness of the importance of writing a successful set of instructions, I also enjoyed learning from my classmates. I thought the topics were interesting, important, unique, and diverse. Some presentations focused on topics that I would probably have never considered doing myself, such as Robyn’s directions on cleaning her rabbit’s hutch. Actually, I would have loved to use that subject for my project if I had a small pet. My family does own a cat, but cleaning the litter box a) did not occur to me as a possible topic and b) is a task I would not have wanted to use anyways. However, when I was 11, my parents almost bought me a pet ball python (I’ve loved snakes since I was about 9 or 10).  Even now, about 11 years later, I still wish they had! Robyn’s presentation definitely allowed me to picture what I would have done if I did my presentation on cleaning my imaginary ball python’s cage.

I also really enjoyed the presentations dealing with more serious, “practical knowledge” subjects. Two that come to mind are Emily’s instructions about changing your own oil and Jacob’s about administering CPR. I do not know how to perform either task, but Emily and Jacob provided me (and the rest of the class) with great details and directions. Their input, advice, and knowledge absolutely gave me a better understanding of both how to perform their respective subjects, as well as why each is significant.