Transcript Chapter 5

Chapter 1
Introduction to
Technical Communication
Technical Communication, 11th Edition
John M. Lannon
© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.
User Centered and
Accessible
Technical documents are:
 User-oriented
Focus on what the reader needs, not the feelings of
the writer
 Accessible
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Focus on specific parts as a whole because often
readers read only the parts of documents they need
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Strive to sort, organize, and interpret information
the reader needs
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© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.
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Types of Technical
Communication
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Letters
Memos
Email
Brochures, Pamphlets, and Fact Sheets
Instructional Materials
Reports
Proposals
New Media: CDs, DVDs, web pages, email,
e-books, podcasts, etc.
© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.
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Skills
Technical Communicators rely on many
skills
Write content
Design documents
Edit work of others
Oversee publishing projects
© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.
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Writing is Part of Most
Careers
 In a workplace, you will write more often
than you may think!
 You will often have to collaborate with
colleagues.
 Your audience will be varied as far as
knowledge, expertise, and education level.
 Good writing gives your ideas visibility and
authority.
 Writing is an indication of your job
performance.
© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.
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Information is Useless without
Human Interpretation
Only people can make information meaningful
by answering the following questions
 Which information is most relevant to this
situation?
 Can I verify the accuracy of this source?
 What does this information mean?
 What action does it suggest?
 How does this affect me or my colleagues?
 With whom should I share it?
 How might others interpret this information?
© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.
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Documents That Go Global
Technical communicators are conscious of
both cultural and language differences.
Their documents can connect diverse
communities
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Scientific reports
Studies of industry
Specifications
Operating instructions
Catalogs, promotional material, repair
manuals
Contracts and agreements
© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.
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Any Questions?
For additional help reviewing this chapter,
please visit the Companion Website for your
text at http://www.ablongman.com/lannon.
© 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.