Identifying as a “non-writer” | Rachel Stuckey

Summary

In this episode of 'Reading and Writing Between the Lines,' host Jon Whitzman explores communication skills with industry professionals, Conestoga faculty, and alumni. The conversation covers how communication skills have evolved, their application in various industries, and the future of workplace communication. A guest shares their personal journey, reflecting on how traditional educational standards often overlook different ways of excelling in writing, like storytelling. The podcast aims to redefine and broaden the understanding of essential communication skills, moving beyond rigid standards to appreciate diverse forms of written expression.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The podcast 'Reading and Writing Between the Lines' focuses on communication skills in the workplace.
• 🧑‍💼 Host Jon Whitzman interviews industry professionals, faculty, and alumni to explore their journeys with reading and writing skills.
• 📚 The podcast discusses how learning communication skills has evolved over the years and their application in various industries.
• 📝 The guest shares that, unlike many writers and editors, they did not identify as a 'language kid' or a writer during their school years.
• 🤔 Many writers are identified early as storytellers or natural writers, but the guest did not fit this mold.
• ✍️ The guest had challenges in areas traditionally associated with writing, such as penmanship and spelling.
• 🚫 The guest mentions never being a creative writer, which influenced their perception as a non-writer during their youth.
• 🧠 Despite being a high-achieving student, the guest's teachers felt they did not reach their full potential in writing.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 The guest’s parents, both educators, believed that their potential would emerge when they found more engaging topics.
• 🎧 The episode emphasizes the need to broaden definitions of communication skills beyond traditional standards like spelling and creative writing.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 'Reading and Writing Between the Lines' podcast?

The main focus of the podcast is on communication skills in the workplace, with discussions involving industry professionals, Conestoga faculty, and alumni about their experiences with reading and writing skills.

Who is the host of the podcast?

The host of the podcast is Jon Whitzman.

What does the podcast explore in terms of communication skills?

The podcast explores how communication skills have evolved over the years, their application in various industries, and the future of workplace communications.

What early challenges did the guest face in their communication skills development?

The guest faced challenges such as poor penmanship, being a poor speller, and not identifying as a creative writer, which made them feel less recognized as a writer in their early education.

How did the guest's experiences with communication differ from those of typical writers or editors?

Unlike many writers and editors who identified as writers early on by excelling at storytelling, the guest did not have that natural inclination toward writing and was not seen as a writer by teachers.

What role did the guest's parents play in their development?

The guest's parents, who were educators, were not concerned about their child's early struggles with writing. They believed that the guest would live up to their potential when they found something that truly interested them.

What aspect of traditional communication learning does the guest critique?

The guest critiques the rigid definition of communication skills in traditional education, which emphasized neat penmanship, correct spelling, and creative writing, potentially overlooking other forms of communication and aptitude.

How does the guest describe their relationship with spelling?

The guest describes themselves as having been a poor speller throughout their life, even failing spelling tests in school, and still struggles with spelling, for which they are thankful for modern tools like computers.

What insight does the guest offer about the definition of success in communication skills?

The guest suggests that traditional definitions of success in communication, such as focusing on esthetics like neatness and creativity, might miss the broader range of communication abilities and skills.

Where can listeners find more episodes of the podcast?

Listeners can find more episodes of the 'Reading and Writing Between the Lines' podcast on Conestoga College's YouTube channel.