The use of AI tools in the Style & Tech Writing course influenced how I approached graded work, especially in terms of drafting, revising, and refining my writing. In the course, I leaned on AI to brainstorm outlines and generate initial drafts, which helped me overcome the intimidation of a blank page. But as the modules progressed – particularly in Module 5, which focused on AI tools for Style, Tone & Voice in Tech Writing – I began to see AI not just as a shortcut, but as a collaborative partner. Videos like Part I and Part II of that module demonstrated how AI could be used to test different tones, adjust sentence complexity, and even simulate audience reactions. This changed my workflow: instead of writing in isolation, I used AI to simulate feedback loops, helping me anticipate how my writing might be received by different readers. It also made me more conscious of tone – something I hadn’t considered deeply before. For example, when revising technical instructions, I used AI to test whether my tone was too robotic or too casual, drawing insights from the NN/g article ChatGPT and Tone: Avoid Sounding Like a Robot. This process made my writing more audience-aware and polished, which directly improved my confidence.

Among all the course materials, Leslie O’Flahavan on Plain Language had the greatest impact on my career goals in technical communication. Her video emphasized that plain language isn’t about “dumbing down” content – it’s about respecting the reader’s time and cognitive load. That idea resonated deeply with me. I had always assumed technical writing was about precision and detail, but Leslie reframed it as a service-oriented practice: making information accessible, actionable, and empathetic. This shifted my career focus from documentation to user experience writing. I realized that I want to help users navigate complex systems with clarity and confidence. Her emphasis on clarity as a form of kindness made me rethink how I write, why I write, and who I’m writing for. It also helped me understand that technical communication isn’t just about transferring knowledge – it’s about building trust.

If I were guiding a new student through the Style & Tech Writing course, I’d start by emphasizing the importance of engaging with the course materials actively, not passively. Watch the videos with a notebook in hand. Pause and reflect. For example, when watching Tone of Voice & Distinctions/Synthesis (Module 4), jot down examples of tone shifts and think about how they apply to your own writing. The NN/g article The Four Dimensions of Tone of Voice is another essential read – it breaks tone down into funny vs. serious, formal vs. casual, respectful vs. irreverent, and enthusiastic vs. matter-of-fact. Understanding these dimensions will help you tailor your writing to different contexts and audiences. I’d also recommend experimenting with AI tools early and often. Don’t wait until the final project to explore them. Use them to revise your discussion posts, analyze your tone, and simulate different writing styles. But – and this is crucial – don’t let AI do the thinking for you. It’s a tool, not a substitute for your voice. Avoid the trap of over-relying on AI-generated content. Your instructors can tell when something lacks human insight or originality.

To succeed in the course, the most important thing is to embrace revision as a creative process. Your first draft is never your best draft. Use peer feedback, instructor comments, and AI tools to iterate. Also, write with empathy. Whether you’re creating a slide deck for an industry report (as covered in Module 7) or drafting a set of instructions, always ask: “How will this feel to the reader?” What’s obvious to you might be confusing to someone else. The most important thing to avoid is writing in a vacuum. Don’t isolate yourself from your audience, your peers, or the tools available to you. Technical communication is inherently collaborative. If you treat it like a solo endeavor, you’ll miss out on the richness of feedback and iteration.

In sum, the Style & Tech Writing course taught me that technical writing is not just about clarity – it’s about connection. AI tools helped me refine my tone and style, but it was the human-centered philosophy of plain language and tone awareness that truly shaped my career direction. For any new student, success lies in curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to revise. Avoid shortcuts, embrace feedback, and remember: every sentence you write is a bridge between you and your reader. Make it strong, make it clear, and make it kind.