Reviewing documents (M2)

The Amended Document


I have amended this game design document because it was hard to read with small line spacing and unclear heading and subheadings, it was also boring with small writing and simple font. The structure also didn’t break the writing up into sections and paragraphs.

I first started with the title, I used styles throughout this whole document and stated with modifying the title; I made it much larger with a blue colour and Arial font this allowed the reader to clearly see the title and recognize where the text begins. I also added a border to the title along the left side and top this gave it and edge and made it look more unique and professional.

After I moved onto the heading that I styled to also make the font blue and use the Arial typeface. I also formatted it to have a small space above and below each heading to break up the text and show the clear paragraphs.

The actual text I changed into justify format to make the document neater I also specified the line spacing to be 1.5 which made the text stand out making it easier to read. Changing the font to Arial I also sized it appropriately and ensuring the color stayed automatic and breaking the text up into paragraphs.

The next thing I did was add a footer where I put a field to display the page numbers out of how many pages altogether that automatically updates when changed.

Finally I split off to create a front page that included a table of contents that also automatically updated when the document is changed including the page numbers and already specified titles. The last thing I did to make the whole document look more professional was to add a confidential watermark that would relate to a real document in the business industry.

Evaluate Written And Interpersonal Techniques (D1)

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0eZg-JfH0HQRERPbUxkRWRwZUU/edit?usp=sharing

How awareness of a learning style can aid your personal development (M3)

Awareness of a learning style

 

 

 

We were set a teambuilding exercise to create a paper ring out of an A4 piece of paper and put it round all of us. Within our group of 3 and being winning team without an advantage we had me a visual learner, Dan an auditory leaner and Connor a kinaesthetic learner. We had someone from each learning style and I feel this is what led us to our victory.

First of all I read the instructions and told the team what to do being the visual learner then Dan did as I said to create what we needed while Connor and I watched and guided him. I think because we had such good communication and teamwork skills this helped us to create the paper chain so quickly and I feel that you need a mix of learning styles when working in a team.  

Barriers to Effective Communication (P3 +M1)

Language Barrier

The obvious barrier to effective communication when it comes to international communication is the language barrier between different dialects. if someone speaks a different language to yourself then you will not be able to communicate without any trouble. in addition even when communicating in the same language, the terminology used in a message may act as a barrier if it is not completely understood by the audience.  For example, a receiver who is not familiar may not understand a message that includes a lot of specialist terminology and abbreviations. Some regional expressions may be misinterpreted or even considered offensive. As an example we use a thumbs up expression to represent something that is good but in Greece the sign means a great offence basically asking someone for a fight. In the gaming industry you may need to have meetings with someone from the business who is from a different country and may speak a different language from you and the rest of the team.

Solutions

A possible solution to this communication barrier is if it is a corporate face-to-face meeting you could hire a translator who could translate what they say and repeat it to the other person. If it is a written or typed documentation that is going to be read by someone from a different country you could use a program like Google translator to change what you have written into his or her language. A solution to the people not understanding your own language would be to know your audience and use the correct terminology so you do not confuse them.

Physical barriers

Physical barriers are usually easy to see for example doors that are closed, walls that are erected, and distance between people all work against the goal of effective communication. Electrical equipment such as phones and emails can also be a problem if they stop working or get broken.

Solutions

While most agree that people need their own personal areas in the workplace, setting up an office to remove physical barriers is the first step towards opening communication. Many professionals, who work in the games industries that thrive on collaborative communication, purposefully design their workspaces around an “open office” plan. This layout places cubicles in favor of desks grouped around a central meeting space. While each individual has their own dedicated workspace, there are no visible barriers to prevent collaboration with their co-workers. This encourages greater openness and frequently creates closer working bonds.

Effective Communication (P2)

Introduction

Effective communication is important because it helps avoid misunderstandings and help explain your ideas to others. Effective communication helps you connect with people and allows you to get what you want by expressing yourself appropriately. in the gaming workplace effective communication is especially essential because you will most likely be working in teams or have to report to your boss.




General communication skills


Engaging the audience

Without the interest of your audience, you cannot correctly communicate to people. it is not only the challenge to make them listen but to help them understand , remember and act on the information or ideas you share. For example in the games industry when trying to pitch an idea you need to influence and include the audience when communicating to bring them round to your way of thinking.

Terminology

It is important to use the correct terminology when communicating to others so they can understand what you are saying. For example if your audience happens to be children who are customers for your game you have to use words and terminology that they can understand and be easily explained whereas if you were having a formal meeting with your co-workers you would use a more sophisticated vocabulary to more intelligently describe your ideas and points.

Interpersonal Skills

Body Language

Body language can be an important skill to communication especially when presenting or pitching ideas. However there is a thin line between to extremes of body language for instance you do not want to come across as to laid back or lazy by slouching or not showing any enthusiasm but on the other hand you do not want to be so excitable when presenting that you are either dancing round or have distracting hand movements.

Summarizing

Summarizing your points can be effective way to communicate a lot of information in a short period of time. This can be done with bullet points, short sentences or pictures. When relating to the games industry if you have to do a presentation you do not want to just be repeating what is written down you need to summarize the points then explain what you want to say.


written communication skills


Spelling

Spelling is an effective communication skill because otherwise people would not be able to understand any written documentation or presentation you give them. it also looks unprofessional and scruffy. in the gaming workplace you may need to update your line manager with a written or typed documentation on your current work problems or objectives but if you cannot spell firstly your boss might not understand what you have put but secondly they would think that you cant use common English and may remove you from the workforce.




Structure

You need to put structure into any written or typed documentation you make this helps categorize your work and it also shows you will be talking about the next topic if you paragraph your document. for example you may need to give a presentation to your co-workers or partnership companies in the gaming industry, if it is not structured and categorized correctly it would look unprofessional and could become confusing to your audience when jumping from point to point.