A Concise Guide to Technical Communication

by Gurak, Laura J.; Lannon, John M.

• ISBN13: 9780321061065
• ISBN10: 0321061063
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-12-01
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley

Summary

KEY BENEFIT: In a concise, streamlined format, this complete technical communication book draws on the strengths of John M. Lannon's best-selling Technical Communication(now in its eighth edition) but also includes state-of-the-art information on writing and researching in cyberspace, copyright, privacy, and ethics, usability, page design, and visual communication. The book takes a situational approach, emphasizing issues of audience, purpose, and task. Offering a critical look at communication technologies in relation to technical communication this book is designed for a broad range of readers. KEY TOPICS:Concise Format.Responding to consumer requests for a more wieldy book, The Concise Guide is the first book in this format designed to be the primary book for an introduction to Technical Communications. It allows readers to easily and affordably supplement the book with their own materials, materials from industry, or other examples. Based on the market leading Tech Comm book. Lannon's Technical Communication 8/e is the undisputed market leader. The Concise Guide builds on that tradition. The Global Window. Each chapter includes a boxed feature which highlights the global nature of technical communication. Click on this. Each chapter includes a boxed feature which offers relevant connections to Internet sources which add additional depth to the materials covered in the chapter. Coverage of technology/new media. The Concise Guide is the first Technical Communication book which acknowledges that most technical communication today is electronic-whether it be Web sites, CD-ROM helps files, or e-mail reports, today's technical communicators work more in the new media than in the old ones. The Concise Guide offers a seamless connection between the new and old worlds of technical communication.MARKET: Technical Writing.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Technical Communication Techniques and Considerations	1	(180)
An Introduction to Technical Communication	3	(11)
A World of People and Purposes	14	(16)
Designing Usable Information	30	(20)
Performing Research for Technical Communication	50	(20)
Technical Communication in a Digital World	70	(16)
Ethical Issues in Technical Communication	86	(18)
Copyright and Privacy	104	(16)
Page Layout and Document Design	120	(27)
Graphics and Visual Information	147	(34)
Part 2 Technical Communication Situations and Applications	181	(104)
Everyday Communication Situations	183	(32)
Product-Oriented Communication Situations	215	(31)
Complex Communication Situations	246	(39)
Appendix A Grammar	285	(17)
Appendix B Documenting Sources	302