Using Storytelling to Improve Technical Documentation

By Allie Proff

@allieproff | Technically Eclectic

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Introduction8:00-8:45

Convert to the Dark Side8:45-9:15

Define Tone, Voice, Style9:30-9:45

Define Character, Plot9:45-10:00

See Examples, Write story10:00-10:30

Share Stories10:45-12:00

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Your name

Your position and company

If you were looking for work and perfectly qualified for any job in the world, where would you apply and for what position?

1-5 sentences how you are here on your professional journey

What are some life experiences that give you a unique view on the word?

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What’s in a story?

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Storytelling is based in science

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Always consider the user first

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Use the Right Tool

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How am I using story?

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Voice, Tone, and Style

Personality

Situation

Guidelines

Character, or protagonist

Structure, or plot

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Facebook Deloitte

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Story

How did your company form? (Boeing’s 100 years young, SurveyMonkey)

What is your company’s mission? (Chipotle Scarecrow video –cultivate a better world, Google Earth – Saroo Brierley – connect people, Dear Sophie, Boeing Go4Zero)

Who are the people who work at your company? (Chicago law firm Levenfeld Perlstein, Everett Clinic)

Rarely does anyone do anything difficult the first time correctly. It’s more important to practice and have fun than to have a

polished product. Today is about the process, not the final product.

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Perhaps we share stories in much the same spirit that explorers share maps, hoping to speed each other’s journey, but knowing the journey we make will be our own. ~ Gloria Steinem

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Allie has been communicating technical knowledge for over fifteen years, whether it be in the U.S. Navy, as a high school math teacher, or a writer/editor at The Boeing Company s.

She helps engineers and analysts write and produce their process instructions and user help in a variety of formats, including video demonstration.

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