Make an appointment for the same time each day - whenever it suits them. I found 4 oclock was often a good time - don't bug them at irregular times and intervals as they also have work to do. Use a tape recorder so you can play back the conversation at your leisure. You will have to ask about this but most SMEs don't mind.
If logistically possible it is better to be face to face than use email.Draw yourself lots of digrams - it often helps you understand what belongs where etc.
Good Luck Jill Jill Nicholson N&H Communications 2 Park Ave Roseville NSW 2069 jpnicho@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx www.nhcommunications.com.au----- Original Message ----- From: "j.sids" <sids.515@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 8:12 PM Subject: atw: Dealing with SMEs?
Hi there, I'm a relatively junior writer (been in the job for 6 months!) and would like to ask the more experienced writers out there - how do you deal with SMEs and new information? My problem is, the content I'm given to write is very new and complex to me, so I have to ask them a lot of questions just so I understand things. A few times now, I get the feeling that they get frustrated at me, or think that I'm dumb because I keep asking them to clarify or repeat points. I'm not sure if there is a delicate way of handling situations like this, or good way of dealing with new information. I tend to keep asking them questions (back and forth) and then I get the feeling that they're getting hostile, possibly out of frustration. What is your advice for dealing with new, complex information when dealing with SMes? **************************************************To view the austechwriter archives, go to www.freelists.org/archives/austechwriterTo unsubscribe, send a message to austechwriter-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe" in the Subject field (without quotes).To manage your subscription (e.g., set and unset DIGEST and VACATION modes) go to www.freelists.org/list/austechwriterTo contact the list administrator, send a message to austechwriter-admins@xxxxxxxxxxxxx **************************************************
************************************************** To view the austechwriter archives, go to www.freelists.org/archives/austechwriter To unsubscribe, send a message to austechwriter-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe" in the Subject field (without quotes). To manage your subscription (e.g., set and unset DIGEST and VACATION modes) go to www.freelists.org/list/austechwriter To contact the list administrator, send a message to austechwriter-admins@xxxxxxxxxxxxx **************************************************
